The environmental assessment for the GENESIS Matsushima Project commenced on August 30, 2022, with J-Power initiating the public review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Methodology Document and soliciting public comments. In response to this call for comments, ACT Matsushima received numerous opinions from citizens submitted via the form provided on this website.
The environmental assessment for the GENESIS Matsushima Project concluded its public comment period for the Methodology Document on October 17, 2022. It was reviewed by the Nagasaki Prefecture Environmental Impact Review Board on December 22, 2022, and subsequently reviewed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's (METI) Environmental Impact Review Board (Thermal Power Subcommittee) on February 10, 2023. On February 24, 2023, the METI’s review document and Minister's notification were issued.
Unfortunately, the notification stated that “it is deemed that appropriate consideration has been given to environmental conservation, and there is no need to issue a recommendation pursuant to Article 46-8, Paragraph 1 of the Electricity Business Act (Act No.170, 1964).” Consequently, the GENESIS Matsushima Project's environmental assessment has advanced to the next stage: the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Draft by J-Power.
During this series of review meetings, it was revealed in the materials submitted by J-Power that a total of 3,570 opinions were submitted. These included opinions submitted via the submission form on our behalf, those sent directly by mail, and those submitted via forms at local briefing sessions. This is more than four times the number of comments (855) previously submitted during the GENESIS Matsushima Project’s Environmental Consideration Document review clearly demonstrating the high level of public interest in this project and the very strong concerns held by citizens.
On the other hand, J-Power's response to these submitted comments focused solely on justifying the Project. It cited measures such as future emissions reductions through coal gasification, hydrogen production, co-firing of ammonia and biomass, and the implementation of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS).
However, the feasibility of these measures is fundamentally in question, and even early implementation would result in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, J-Power’s response does not reflect a thorough review of the validity of the Project or take into account the opinions expressed by citizens, such as their opposition to continuing to emit large amounts of greenhouse gases amid a growing climate crisis, their concerns about the plan's feasibility, and their doubts about its effectiveness in actually reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The results of METI's review of the Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology Document were deeply disappointing. Nevertheless, we will continue to raise awareness about the issues with J-Power’s plan and, together with citizens, demand its cancellation.
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