Situated on the western end of the Japanese archipelago in Kyushu, Kitakyushu has developed as a gateway to Asia due to its geographic location.
Kitakyūshū is one of Japan’s leading manufacturing centers for steel production, automobile parts and assembly, and other heavy industry where many of its 940,000 residents are employed.
Greeted by water, mountains, and blue skies, Kitakyūshū visitors enjoy UNESCO World Heritage-registered industrial modernization sites and cultural activities like festivals and art museums.
A close up of solar panels
River Walk Kitakyushu seen from Kokura Castle tower
A landscape view of Kitakyushu City at night
Climate challenges
In the mid-1900s, Kitakyushu grew steadily as a steel manufacturing city with significant contributions to the Japanese economy, which resulted in serious air and water pollution challenges.
In the 1960s, women's associations formed to address the living environment and health hazards to their families. Under the guidance of university professors, they took action under the slogan "We Want Our Blue Sky Back" and demanded change from companies and local government.
It was the eventual partnership among industry, local government, academia, and residents that brought back the blue skies and established the framework for successful environmental initiatives in progress today.
Air pollution over the City of Kitakyushu
Blue skies over the City of Kitakyushu after pollution clean up
Kitakyushu skies in the 1960s (left) and present. Photos courtesy of Kitakyushu City
Polluted waters off the coast of Kitakyushu
Blue, clear waters off the coast of Kitakyushu after pollution clean up began in the 1960s
Kitakyushu waterways in the 1960s (left) and present. Photos courtesy of Kitakyushu City
Drawing on lessons learned, Kitakyushu City leaders have embraced environmental projects, like low carbon initiatives and an Eco-Town project, with great success and recognition.
The Japanese government recognized Kitakyushu as an Environmental Model City in 2008, Environmental Future City in 2011, and a UN Sustainable Development Goals Future City in 2018. Internationally, Kitakyushu received the UNEP Global 500 Award in1990 and the UN Local Government Honors Award in 1992. And in 2018, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development selected Kitakyushu as the only Sustainable Development Goals Model City in Asia.
Through its collaboration locally and internationally, Kitakyushu City aims to be the world’s environmental capital.
Geospatial solutions
In order to change from a "pollution" town to a green and sustainable town, Kitakyushu City in Japan is working towards achieving its zero emissions goal by 2050.
To spread low-cost carbon-free electricity, including 100% renewable electricity, throughout the city, Kitakyushu City uses Esri's GIS software to create models that predict electricity demand and market prices, calculate optimal prices, and provide sustainable energy management methods.
A chart that shows the peak and down times of energy demands compared with costs
By using weather and population data obtained from IoT sensors and artificial intelligence modeling, Kitakyushu City predicts periods when activities that require electricity, such as running air conditioners and charging electric vehicles, will be particularly active. This model is also helping Kitakyushu City calculate the optimal location for installing solar panels at a low cost.
This is the first system in history to optimize electricity costs by activating renewable energy from solar panels during peak electricity demand.
A side by side comparison of a solar radiation forecast to the amount of forecasted solar power
Power generation forecast by municipality using GIS
To achieve100% renewable electricity that is stable and affordable, Kitakyushu City communicates with public and commercial industries with ArcGIS Dashboards, StoryMaps, and Hubs to adopt the Renewable Energy Kitakyushu Model.
The 100% Renewable Electricity Dashboard for Public Facilities in City of Kitakyushu with numbers displayed on the left and a map version on the right
A screenshot of the Kitakyushu City Decarbonized Electricity Certification System hub
The 100% Renewable Electricity Dashboard for Private Companies in the City of Kitakyushu with numbers displayed on the left and a map version on the right
The Green Growth Strategy of Kitakyushu Development includes four actions for the decarbonization of energy supply and promotion of innovation toward a Zero Carbon City by 2050.
Action 1
Decarbonization of the existing industries and creation of new industry by stable supply and utilization of economic and decarbonized energy sources including:
A Decarbonized Power Supply Hub
A Hydrogen Supply and Utilization Hub
A dark night view of the City of Kitakyushu, Japan
Action 2
Support for corporate innovation
Action 3
Development of a comfortable and decarbonized city through urban development and transportation policies
A dark night view of the City of Kitakyushu, Japan
Action 4
Expansion to grow overseas markets focusing on Asia
Resources
Explore atmospheric measures and alternative energy resources to green your own city or community.
A geographic approach puts our greatest challenges in context and drives solutions for a sustainable future. And user-friendly GIS tools provide universal access to critical information.
The Growing Green Citiescollection shares the sustainability stories of four cities: Kitakyushu, Japan; London, England; Norfolk, United States of America; and Sydney, Australia. Read about their climate challenges and the GIS solutions that support local leaders, planners, and scientists as they build more resilient communities.
Explore the map below to access the four stories. Each map pin with pop up includes a story link.
Power generation forecast by municipality using GIS
