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Japanese town of 8,000 generates 161% of energy needs from renewables

The Japanese town of Kuzumaki, population 8,000, has over the past decade transformed itself into a model of energy self-sufficiency no longer dependent on oil.  With 21 MW of wind turbines on nearby hills, photovoltaic panels on school roofs, dairy cows producing biomass waste for energy conversion, and wood pellets for heating stoves, the town now generates 161% of its annual electricity demand. The town sells the surplus to neighboring communities via the grid.  Full story: Time Magazine