Mitsubishi Corp : “Green Academy” Opens at Minamisoma Solar Agri Park

The Fukushima Solar and Agriculture Experience Association, under its collaboration with Minamisoma City, has agreed to launch "Green Academy", an on-site training program designed to support the educational development of children by providing them with "work" experience at the solar power plant and agricultural factory inside the "Minamisoma Solar Agri Park". The program, which comes on stream in April of this year, is being sponsored by the Mitsubishi Corporation Disaster Relief Foundation with support from the KCJ GROUP, which runs "Kidzania" - education/entertainment centers where children can learn about real-life work and other situations.

Falling under the city's "Renewable Energy Promotion Vision", the "Minamisoma Solar Agri Park" presents a model locally, as it combines solar power generation with agricultural production while at the same time serving as a training facility. Construction of the "Park", which started on December 21 last year, is slated for completion by March 11 this year. Through the experience of "working" at a solar power plant, "Green Academy" will contribute to the sustainable educational development of children in Fukushima prefecture, particularly those in Soma City, by providing them with practical exposure to the generation of energy from natural renewable sources, electricity storage for electric vehicles and how to make the best use of electricity overall. On-site experience at a farm which employs state-of-the-art renewable energy technology also provides the local community with an opportunity to reflect on the future of local agriculture.

As part of its mission to support the recovery of industry and employment generation in areas affected by the 2011 disasters, the Mitsubishi Corporation Disaster Relief Foundation today made a financial contribution to the Fukushima Solar and Agriculture Experience Association in the amount of 30 million yen. The funds will go towards establishing a sustainable management base for "Green Academy".

KCJ GROUP brings planning and management expertise and know-how gained through Kidzania to the Fukushima Solar and Agriculture Experience Association, and will apply it in support of execution and management at "Green Academy".

While supporting the sustainable educational development of children in Fukushima and Soma City through the management of "Green Academy", the Fukushima Solar and Agriculture Experience Association will also contribute to overall recovery as it's interaction with people across Japan will help to eliminate negative rumors about Fukushima and restore confidence in the prefecture.

Details about the Organizations

Fukushima Solar and Agriculture Experience Association