OREANDA-NEWS. Fujitsu Limited, Aizu Wakamatsu City Hall and Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. announced the launch of the Aizu Wakamatsu Area Smart Community Promotion Project, aiming to bring about a smart community in the Aizu Wakamatsu region of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

To date, the three organizations have explored ways to build a smart community in the region in accordance with the "Plan for Revitalization in Fukushima Prefecture" and the "Reconstruction Efforts Aimed at Local Community Revitalization" initiative in Aizu Wakamatsu City. The aim of these efforts has been to bring about an environmentally friendly, low-carbon society; to revitalize the local community; to generate new businesses; and to pioneer the creation of an urban environment that is highly resistant to disaster and convenient for residents. Proposed as a project eligible for assistance from Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI), the three organizations launched the Aizu Wakamatsu Area Smart Community Promotion Project after receiving acknowledgement of grant funding.

As part of the new project, Fujitsu will oversee the project's overall management and will be partnering with Tohoku Electric Power to develop the Energy Control Center that will enable the utilization of renewable energy. In addition, Aizu Wakamatsu City Hall will strive to ensure power resources during emergencies by employing electronic vehicles, while also promoting the local production for local consumption of energy utilizing biomass resources.

As a result of these initiatives, the organizations aim to bring about a smart community by establishing a foundation for sustainably leveraging renewable energy in a self-sufficient manner. Moreover, going forward, the organizations will make efforts to deploy the technology throughout all of Fukushima Prefecture, thereby contributing to the rebuilding of the region.