Exploring Offshore Wind Power and Data Centers in Ishikari, Hokkaido

Introduction to the Seminar

The Japan Planning Institute (JPI) is hosting an informative seminar on September 25, 2025, in Tokyo, featuring Jun Kato, the head of the enterprise collaboration promotion section in Ishikari City's Planning and Policy Department. The focus of the seminar is the 'RE Zone Concept,' which serves as the framework for a strategic approach towards offshore wind power and data center integration in Ishikari, located in Hokkaido.

The Importance of Community Integration

The seminar aims to address how local resources and opportunities can be harnessed to enhance citizen living standards, a critical responsibility of local governments. Ishikari City is strategically located next to Sapporo and has access to an international trade port and vast industrial areas that provide an ideal environment for developing renewable energy sources.

Currently, the city is promoting the establishment of data centers that are becoming indispensable infrastructure in today's digital era. However, the transition to renewable energy and development of data centers can sometimes be perceived as 'nuisance facilities' by local residents, creating challenges that must be addressed through effective collaboration and communication.

Outline of the Seminar

1. Overview of Ishikari City
- Historical background and development of Ishikari City.
- Information about the international trade port 'Ishikari Bay New Port' and the industrial complex in the area.

2. Introduction to Renewable Energy Sources
- A presentation on the various renewable energy sources concentrated around Ishikari Bay New Port.
- The creation of community value through the 'Ishikari Regional Biomass Power Plant.'

3. Current Status and Future of Offshore Wind Power
- Detailed insights into the Ishikari Bay Offshore Wind Power Station.
- The potential changes that offshore wind energy can bring to the community.
- Information on the general maritime area off the coast of Ishikari City and how offshore wind power can promote regional development.

4. Understanding the 'RE Zone Concept'
- The combination of local production and the RE Zone Concept.
- Synergy between data centers in Ishikari City and Wattbit, a partnership aimed at maximizing energy utility.

5. Creating Community Value through Data Centers
- An analysis of the environment surrounding data centers and the impact of digital transformation (DX) on local communities.
- Strategies for maximizing local renewable energy utilization in data center operations.

6. Sustainable Urban Development through 'Local Resources x x'
- Pathways for re-designing local communities towards decarbonization.
- Future outlook and potential developments.

7. Interactive Q&A Session
- An opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions with the speaker.

8. Networking Opportunity
- Participants will have the chance to exchange business cards and connect, facilitating the expansion of professional networks and potential business collaborations.

Seminar Participation Details

- Format: In-person attendance only; livestream or recorded sessions will not be offered.
- Registration Fee: ¥37,900 (tax included) per participant. There’s a special offer for public sector representatives, allowing two attendees for ¥11,000 each.

For further details and registration, please refer to the official JPI seminar page here.

Conclusion

This seminar represents a pivotal opportunity for local governments, businesses, and community members to collaborate on sustainable development initiatives that leverage local resources, thereby enhancing community resilience and engagement in renewable energy projects. Participants will gain invaluable insights into successful public-private partnerships and the process of aligning community needs with industrial growth. Together, these efforts can reshape perceptions about renewable energy and data centers, turning potential nuisances into valuable community assets.