From Calum Davidson, Director of Energy and Low Carbon, HIE
Flying into Tokyo from Europe means that you pass over what seem endless tracks of forest and steppe in Russia and China, and then descend over the Northern islands of Japan. Very mountainous, and where agriculture is possible, every inch seems to be covered with rice paddies, of which Japan is a net exporter. Quite remarkable as only 15% of the country can be farmed. Japan also has an extensive coastline, and as the plane banked to commence its descent into Narida airport, I could see the north east coast line of Fukushima, and in the distance the cranes and domes of the crippled Nuclear reactor.
The Japanese Government’s decision to close down their nuclear programme in the wake of the 2011 earthquake is one of the reasons why a group of us from Scotland are undertaking a marine renewable energy programme of visits to Japan. Wave, tidal and floating wind, all key areas of interest to HIE, and all areas where the Japanese Government, their local authorities and their large multi-nationals are increasingly interested.
So it’s off first thing Monday morning to the British Embassy, just across the moat and ramparts from the Emperors palace, patrolled by middle aged policemen who ride around on rather old fashioned bikes. They are of course the Imperial Guard. Cue the Star Wars theme music.