Deploying a world-leading smart city model city-wide within a few years puts Yokohama on track to be transformed into a low-carbon metropolis with lower energy use, more renewable power, and cleaner transport.

In 2010, the Japanese city of Yokohama formulated the Yokohama Smart City Project (YSCP), as a five-year pilot in three city districts. It has since been deployed to the entire city of 3.7 million people. The YSCP applies smart grids for the energy management of households, buildings, and local communities; introduces large-scale renewable energy; and promotes green transportation systems.

39,000 tons of CO2 reduced annually

Cities100 – 2015

Under the project, energy management systems have been installed in 4,200 homes, resulting in a 20% reduction in energy consumption through visualization of energy use and curbing power demand by providing consumers with incentives to limit electricity use. Similarly, energy management systems in offices and commercial buildings have resulted in a 20% reduction in peak energy consumption. The use of renewable energy sources is also a priority under the YSCP, aiming for solar power generation in 249 locations, wind power generation in 2 locations, hydropower generation in 3 locations, and biomass power generation in 6 locations. In addition, the project has introduced 2,300 electric vehicles, and installed charging stations throughout the city.

The challenge

With increasing urbanization, Yokohama is experiencing fast growth that poses challenges in terms of energy use, traffic jams, air pollution, and an overall increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The YSCP strives to better manage energy use and mitigate climate change through a rapid deployment of smart energy infrastructure.

Co-benefits

Economic By using locally produced products, the YSCP creates new jobs and boosts the city’s economy.

Environmental The installation of solar photovoltaic panels under the YSCP totals 37 MW.

Health The introduction of electric vehicles will reduce ambient air pollution, which improves public health.

Social In 2012, 418 lectures on climate change were held for 35,000 participants and 121 partner organizations to increase participation in the YSCP.

About Yokohama

Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan by population, after Tokyo, and the most populous municipality of Japan. It lies on Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo, and is a major commercial hub of the Greater Tokyo Area. Yokohama’s population of 3.7 million makes it Japan’s largest city after the Special Wards of Tokyo. Yokohama developed rapidly as Japan’s prominent port city following the end of Japan’s relative isolation in the mid-19th century, and is today one of its major ports along with Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya, Hakata, Tokyo, and Chiba.

Yokohama
View profile


Global Goals addressed