World Potential (JAPAN)

Legislation and Regulations
The use of water resources is regulated by the "River Law", which ensures the comprehensive utilization of the water resources and the normal maintenance of minimum river flows. It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Construction, which is in charge of both construction and conservation of national land.

In addition to the use of water for irrigation, the rapid growth of municipal and industrial water requirements, the incorporation of flood control, and also the maintenance of minimum downstream flows, may possibly compete with hydropower development.

In the case of multipurpose projects, the available discharge, the sharing of storage capacity, the allocation of construction cost, the responsibilities for implementation, and the like are negotiated among the related organizations under the control of the ministries.

Needless to say, an environmental impact survey must be carried out in almost all cases of hydropower development (officially above 30 MW). The impact assessment must be disclosed to local residents. Their comments and reactions are considered during a Government review, which is coordinated among the related ministries and agencies.

SHP In Japan
Changes in National Energy Policy
The New Energy Foundation, Hydropower Capacity and Energy Production
Legislation and Regulations
Licensing Procedures