Malaysian Student at Tottori University Reflects on the Complexities of Renewable Energy

Tottori, Japan – A screening of the documentary film Kageru Shinro (かげる針路) was held in Chizu, a town progressively developing solar panels in its pursuit of clean energy. Produced by Fukushima Television, the documentary explores the prefecture’s current reality as it undergoes a rapid shift toward renewable energy against the backdrop of the 2011 nuclear accident.

Nurain Fathanah, a fourth-year student at Tottori University, was one of a few individuals invited by her seminar professor to watch the film. After the screening, she expressed how the documentary shifted her perspective on renewable energy, despite her continued recognition of its benefits in reducing carbon emissions and maintaining sustainability.

According to Nurain, the documentary focuses on solar energy and highlights the disputes that arise during the development of solar power plants in Fukushima. Because solar panels require wide, uncovered areas to absorb sunlight efficiently, some forests have been cleared for their installation. This deforestation led local residents to voice concerns to the solar power company regarding the loss of mountain scenery and the heightened risk of landslides in the area. Despite their efforts, the company firmly defended its legal rights, stating that the entire project abided by the law. This response left locals feeling disrespected, further increasing tensions between the two parties.

Nurain believes that while developing renewable energy is crucial for the future, it must be done responsibly. She emphasizes that companies should engage in open dialogue with both residents and researchers, as each stakeholder holds a distinct perspective on the subject. This collaborative approach could help find solutions to unintended environmental impacts or even prevent them entirely. She also noted that renewable energy projects should avoid deforestation, as cutting down trees nullifies the core purpose of generating green energy to preserve nature.

As an international student from Malaysia, Nurain hopes that the Malaysian government, private companies, experts, and local citizens will join hands in future renewable energy development. Finally, she hopes that students currently studying in this field will carry a sense of responsibility into their future careers, respecting the deep complexities of both environmental and social issues.