Fujisawa: the eco-city of the future that already exists in reality

Future technologies are already becoming a reality, as, for example, happened in one of the blocks of the city of Fujisawa (Japan). In this microdistrict, all houses are equipped with solar panels and are equipped with smart electronics, which saves energy. Instead of ordinary cars, the creators of the project propose using electric cars, and the innovative system installed here allows saving water consumption.

The site for the construction of the quarter of the future was chosen in the city of Fujisawa, which is located in Kanagawa Prefecture on the island of Honshu. Prior to this, here was one of the Panasonic TV factories. But it was decided to transfer it, and on the liberated 19 hectares to build an intellectual city of the future. The initiator of the project, as you might guess, was Panasonic, and Japanese companies working in the electric power industry were attracted as investors.

The construction of the quarter was completed in 2014. Here are mainly two-story houses, tightly adjacent to each other, in which there is one parking space for a car. But by Japanese standards, it is very comfortable. The quarter accommodates about 1000 houses for 3,000 people.

Solar panels are located on the roofs of the houses, and Fujisawa SST Square complex, which controls the energy-saving systems of the quarter, is located in the center of the quarter. The intelligent system not only regulates energy savings, but also fully monitors the volumes consumed by each house. Thus, according to the creators, maximum energy savings will be achieved without compromising on comfortable living.

There are electric car charging stations near each house, LED lamps provide street lighting, and a video surveillance system monitors what is happening in every part of the innovative town. The creators of the eco quarter also intend to encourage the Japanese to abandon traditional cars and their transition to electric cars and hybrid vehicles. In addition, there is a car and bicycle rental station, which, as conceived by the engineers, will soon replace private vehicles.

In the future, wind generators and stations using geothermal energy should appear in this area of Fujisawa, which will increase the energy independence of the quarter. Today, the "city of the future" can provide itself with electricity by 30%, and in case of unforeseen situations or accidents it is able to exist offline for 3 days.

Part of the electricity is generated using natural gas. Each house has its own small Panasonic ENE-FARM power system, which allows heat to be obtained from natural gas, and the combustion waste is partially converted into water.

In addition to clean energy, the creators of the quarter took care of saving water resources. An innovative system has been installed here, which allows saving up to 30% of water due to a more rational communication device.