The Potential for Massive GHG Reduction by Mass Rural Remigration (The Renewable Energy Exodus): A Case Study for Japan

To break the 'carbon lock-in' mindset adopted by policy makers, the potential for mass rural remigration, as an alternative to the current trend of moving from rural to urban areas was examined. The capacity of renewable energy to maintain populations in hilly and mountainous fanning regions was evaluated from two perspectives: (1) an average nationwide estimate based on the future energy demand, and (2) a conservative estimate based on the current energy demand. Because estimate (2) indicated that Hokkaido has a huge capacity, a preliminary cost effectiveness analysis was conducted first for: (A) a Supply to Tokyo scenario, and second for (B) a Local Demand Generation scenario. Both renewable energy exodus scenarios were found to have merit in promoting a sustainable future. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.