Panasonic unveils ‘smart town’ plan in Japan

Japanese electronics giant Panasonic launched the concept plans for a new ‘smart town’ on Tuesday that will be built in the city of Yokohama (pictured).

The project is run in partnership with Nomura Real Estate Development Company and the Tsunashima Sustainable Smart Town Council and will be constructed in the major city southwest of Tokyo.

The ‘smart town’ will feature a hydrogen fuel-cell refuelling station, a town “energy centre” and a accommodation for international students.

According to estimates, the project will cut total carbon emissions by 40 per cent compared to 2006 levels, and will increase “new energy” usage rates to at least 30 per cent.

The concept plan outlines the town’s environmental targets, safety and security goals, and rules for the landscapes and operations, seeking to create a town where the participants from different industries collaborate to achieve the goals.

Yokohama City will support the Tsunashima SST project as part of its “FutureCity” initiative, a model city selected by the Japanese government to address challenges including the environment.

The Tsunashima SST, at the site of a former Panasonic factory, consists of residential and non-residential facilities. Under the concept of “Innovating the Future Together,” private enterprises and the local government involved aim for an urban smart city, fostering innovations by exploiting synergies among progressive knowledge, technology, and services.

They also envision a town that brings together people who want a better future and makes their interactions part of a global network.

Tokyo Gas Group will install a gas cogeneration system in the town’s energy centre, from which electricity and thermal energy will be provided to other facilities.

JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation will operate a refuelling station for hydrogen powered vehicles and promote hydrogen supply to fuel-cell vehicles as well as other initiatives toward a future hydrogen-based society.

The ‘smart town’ is due to be completed  in 2018.