Launched in 2012, Shioashiya, the first smart city in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, covers an area of over 120,000 square meters , accommodating about 9,000 people.
Here, individual homes and public utilities, as well as the master plan, are designed to minimize energy consumption and maximize opportunities for renewable energy use.
Every home in Shioashiya is fitted with rooftop solar panels, backup batteries, and a smart management system – programmed to allow the home to use renewable energy when the opportunity arises, and has can share with neighboring houses; Home appliances also automatically turn off when not in use.
In addition, the architecture of the detached houses is also aimed at reducing energy consumption, thanks to Puretech special insulation technology and the Eco-Navi ventilation system , which helps the house become cooler in the winter. summer and warmer in winter, but without consuming electricity.
The Japanese city of Shioashiya, where energy consumption is zero. (Photo: Edb.gov.sg).
PanaHome also turned the apartment complex inside Shioashiya into net zero-energy by installing rooftop solar power generation and fuel cells inside each apartment. Each fuel cell is a source of electricity, generating electricity from a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen – this type of energy is very welcome because it is clean, compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Thanks to innovative infrastructure, including multiple generations of clean, renewable energy, Shioashiya’s complex can generate approximately 199 Mwh of electricity per year – exceeding the consumption needs of the entire property. inside the city, and excess electricity can be sold elsewhere, generating an annual profit of about ,700 for the governing association, PanaHome said.
In addition to the housing area, the Solar-Shima Terrace community center is also equipped with a solar power system, battery backup, and the city’s master plan itself has greatly reduced energy consumption. quantity. This is possible because PanaHome has used a special architectural technique – a passive design that makes the most of wind energy and sunlight. Due to its location between the sea and the mountains, the wind source around Shioashiya is extremely rich – helping to cool, ventilate and illuminate the buildings in the city.
“PanaHome’s solutions, such as zero-energy homes, smart energy management systems, and new forms of energy, have the potential to help Japan achieve its goal of reducing energy consumption and emissions. while providing residents with a livable, sustainable, vibrant and inclusive community,” said Kazuhiko Tanaka, managing director of PanaHome Asia-Pacific.
“The technologies fitted to Shioashiya are also ideal for scaling across Japan, and for other Asian countries that are also pursuing energy efficiency in their cities and buildings. ”, Tanaka added.