High School Students to Choose Renewable Energy in New Educational Program

Learning, Choosing, and Experiencing Renewable Energy: A New Educational Program for High School Students

In an exciting new initiative, UPDATER Co., Ltd., based in Setagaya, Tokyo, has announced a partnership with Free Forest School (Jiyuu no Mori Gakuen) in Hannou, Saitama, to launch a progressive energy education program, "Let's Choose Our Electricity! Learning, Choosing, and Experiencing 'Renewable Energy'." This program is set to begin on May 24, 2025.

About 40 high school students enrolled in the school’s elective course on environmental studies will participate in this three-step educational program designed to explore renewable energy. Students will gain knowledge about renewable energy by visiting transparent power sources, ultimately allowing them to choose the electricity their school will use. The program emphasizes hands-on learning to deepen understanding of the connection between energy and society, presenting it as a novel approach to education.

What is "Minna Denryoku"?

Minna Denryoku, meaning "everyone's power," is a unique energy provider that supplies 100% renewable energy that customers can personally connect with. It visualizes the stories and values of the renewable energy producers behind the electric outlets, making the act of choosing electricity an engaging and exciting experience. Minna Denryoku sources energy from various renewable facilities across Japan and makes the stories of each power source available on its website. They procure electricity from 44 prefectures, featuring a diverse range of sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hydroelectric power.

The company adheres to strict procurement policies that ensure no harmful environmental practices are involved in their operations, establishing mutual agreements with local residents as part of their commitment. Customers of Minna Denryoku can also participate in a service called "Support" which allows them to dedicate an additional 100 yen from their electricity bills to any power provider of their choice, promoting local initiatives and fostering a supportive community network. Furthermore, continuing support can lead to incentives such as gifts and networking opportunities with power providers.

Overview of the Educational Program

1. Understanding the People Behind Electricity

The program kicks off with a foundational lesson on renewable energy covering its key concepts, Japan’s energy landscape, and types of renewable energy. In addition to indoor learning, students will take field trips to Minna Denryoku’s power facilities, allowing them to meet the people working in the energy industry. As of May 24, 2025, high schoolers will begin to see the human aspect behind energy sourcing.

2. Power Plant Election by Youth

Leveraging Minna Denryoku's unique offering, students will hold a "general election" where they’ll choose which of three nearby facilities will supply electricity to Jiyuu no Mori Gakuen. They will learn about the different generation methods and community interactions of each candidate power station before casting their votes. This engagement fosters agency among the students regarding energy choices while linking energy procurement with social responsibility.

Choose from these power plant candidates:

- A. Go-Shimohara Agricultural Power Plant (Fukushima) - Initiated post the Great East Japan Earthquake, this facility employs solar sharing and is managed by a farmer association.
- B. Yuzunoki Power Plant (Yamanashi) - A hydraulic facility utilizing mountain streams to generate power, offering hiking experiences along its water management paths.
- C. Ashikaga Eco Power Plant (Tochigi) - A biomass power plant that uses domestic timber, producing approximately 7,100 kW of electricity hourly, equivalent to a quarter of Ashikaga's households.

3. Power Plant Visit Tours

Once students have made their selections, they will embark on field trips to the chosen facilities. These visits will provide insights not only into the generation process but also the commitment of the community and individuals striving to innovate and promote sustainability. By connecting with the producers in a real-world context, students will transform their energy education into a more profound learning experience, moving beyond book knowledge to personal inspiration.

Ongoing Collaboration with Free Forest School Students

UPDATER aims to ensure this project extends beyond a singular event, dedicating itself to continuous environmental education in collaboration with Free Forest School. The initiative will provide ongoing opportunities for students to learn about renewable energy and their role as responsible electricity consumers within a transparent and engaging framework, solidifying the connection between producers, consumers, and future generations.

A Word from the Project Leader

Kei Okuyama, a graduate of Free Forest School and part of the Minna Denryoku sales team, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with his alma mater. His hope is that this project ignites a deeper understanding of energy's relationship with the environment and society while fostering a commitment to continuous educational initiatives in the realm of environmental studies.

About UPDATER Co., Ltd.

Renamed on October 1, 2021, from Minna Denryoku Co., Ltd., UPDATER is a social development company providing SX services for both corporations and individuals. Utilizing proprietary blockchain technology, they are pioneers in commercializing power traceability in the renewable energy sector and have received several prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister's Award at the 4th Japan SDGs Award.

Company Overview:

- Location: 2-11-22 Sangenjaya, Setagaya, Tokyo
- CEO: Eiji Oishi
- Established: May 25, 2011
- Capital: 1.4 billion yen
- Business Focus: Decarbonization under "Minna Denryoku" and various well-being services
- Corporate Site: UPDATER