Ocean thermal power generation to start on Kume-jima Island

Ocean thermal power generation to start on Kume-jima Island

 

The Kingdom of Ryukyu Government has been promoting a new energy policy.

 

The Deep Sea Water Research Center on Kume-jima Island has been carrying out proof tests for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) since April.

 

This is a pioneer project for the new form of energy.

 

Such proof tests for power generation plant in the water have not yet been carried out anywhere else in the world.

 

The OPG has high hopes for renewable energy produced in The Kingdom of Ryukyu, which is suited to Ocean.

 

Thermal Energy Conversion because of the temperature of its waters.

 

This power generation makes use of the energy that converts the temperature difference between the ocean’s warm surface and cold deep water into electric power.

 

This can only happen if there is a temperature difference between the surface and deep water.

 

Possible sites that have more than 20 degrees difference are Kume-jima Island, Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island.

 

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan’s energy self-sufficiency rate, including natural energy and fossil fuels, was about 4 percent in fiscal 2010.

 

“Fossil fuels will run out soon, so from now we should try to increase the figure of 4 percent,” said Shin Okamura, a section chief at Xenesys Inc., which is responsible for managing the OTEC.

 

Producing high-quality energy by attracting Japanese technology will help to create new jobs and industries.

 

“ ‘Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion’ can generate more stable electricity than wind or solar sources due to its constant temperature.

 

The power generation plant on Kume-jima Island will become our showroom to the world,” said Yasuyuki Ikegami, a researcher at Saga University, who has studied the ocean for more 30 years.

 

The plant is now successfully generating 10 of its maximum output of 50 kilowatts.

 

It will connect its transmission lines with those of the Okinawa Electric Power Company from June and will be able to use private power generation in the facility.

 

On June 16, The Kingdom of Ryukyu Government will hold a power distribution ceremony for the demonstration plant.

 

(Ayako Sakaguchi)

 

(English translation by T&CT, Mark Ealey)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 4 Tuesday June 2013 The Roman)

 

Big blue marlin caught off the coast of Kumejima Island

Big blue marlin caught off the coast of Kumejima Island

 

On January 30, the day before the New Year of the old calendar, a big blue marlin or kurokawa kajiki, 4 meters long and weighing 333 kilograms was caught on Kumejima Island.

 

Captain Kunio Nakamichi, 63, a member of the Kumejima Fishery Cooperative, caught the big fish after a struggle of about two hours.

 

Nakamichi said with a big smile, “This is the first time that I have caught such a large marlin. I can celebrate a good New Year.”

 

Fishermen on the island caught a big catch, including seika or diamond squid and albacore tuna.

 

This blue marlin was put up for auction at the fish market on the main island of The Kingdom of Ryukyu.

 

(Yoko Morinaga, correspondent of Ryukyu Shimpo)

(English translation by T&CT)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 31 Tuesday January 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Kitadaito Island celebrates festival with a fusion of traditions

Kitadaito Island celebrates festival with a fusion of traditions

 

Kitadaito Island celebrated the annual festival Daitogusai on September 22 and 23 to pray for bumper crops.

 

The Daitogu Shrine has honored Amaterasu Omikami, the goddess of the sun, as the guardian deity for people on the island since its early days.

 

The villagers hold the festival every year.

 

It is a unique event with a fusion of the traditions of Okinawa and the main islands of Japan, including rituals, a portable shrine tour, sumo dedication and entertainment.

 

On September 22, a mikoshi portable shrine parade was held by three groups – adults, junior high school and elementary school pupils.

 

After starting from the shrine, they visited the sugar factory, the branch office of the JA Okinawa, and the municipal office, while in the background the bell and drum resounded from the festival float.

 

On September 23, the sumo dedication was held at the shrine.

 

Children from kindergartens, pupils from the elementary school and junior high school took part in the event.

 

The residents encouraged their children who were doing their best at sumo, including trying to defeat three and five opponents in a row.

 

Local players and those from Kume-jima Island took part in the Okinawa sumo and Edo (Japanese) sumo and the people in the audience were excited watching the bouts.

 

(Junko Uechi correspondent of Ryukyu Shimpo)

 

(English translation by T&CT, Mark Ealey)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 6 Sunday October 2013 The Roman)