As we mark the International Day of Climate Action, we are reminded of the urgent need to tackle the climate crisis, reduce carbon emissions, and keep global warming below 1.5°C. Programs like our 3rd Renewable Energy Overseas Training Program, designed to equip high school students from across Japan with practical knowledge and real-world experience in the green solutions sector, play a vital role in that mission.
Over the course of four immersive days, students from across Japan stepped beyond the classroom and explored clean energy projects in Japan and Taiwan, deepening their understanding of how clean energy supports both sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Connecting Education with Real-World Impact in Japan
The program began at our Nakaura Wind Power Plant in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, operated and managed by Vena Energy, the renewable energy arm of Vena Group. As they stood near the impressive wind turbines, students engaged with thoughtful questions such as, “How does this system operate?” and “In what ways does it benefit the local community?”
Their curiosity soon broadened beyond the technical aspects, as they explored the meaningful impact clean energy has on both people and the surrounding region. That perspective deepened further during their visit to Saikai City Hall, where local government leaders shared the city’s CO₂-reduction strategies and community-driven approach to energy, demonstrating how green energy can uplift communities while accelerating decarbonization and regional development.
Harmony Between Energy and Nature in Taiwan
In Taiwan, students visited our Mingus Solar Power Plant, a unique facility developed on former salt fields that now provide a safe habitat for migratory birds and endangered species such as the Black-faced Spoonbill, showcasing the future of sustainable energy infrastructure where solar power and biodiversity can thrive together.
Beyond exploring the intersection of biodiversity and solar power, students also engaged in cultural exchange, practicing Chinese greetings with local staff and reflecting on their daily experiences. During a workshop, they shared personal takeaways and discussed practical “green actions” they could adopt in their daily lives and communities, transforming global lessons into local commitments for a more sustainable future.
Experiencing Offshore Wind Energy Firsthand
The final stop was at the Wind Asia Training facility, where students participated in hands-on activities modeled after the training programs for offshore wind professionals. From high-altitude safety drills to VR firefighting simulations, the exercises were designed to mirror real-world offshore conditions.
With focused determination, students not only developed a respect for the technical and safety aspects of the industry but also learned about the qualifications necessary to pursue careers in this growing sector. This exposure encouraged them to consider their potential futures in green solutions—an industry poised for expansion in Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Building the Foundation for a Sustainable Future
Through this cross-border program, the students connected the dots between energy, environment, and society. It encouraged them to think critically about the future, not as passive observers, but as active contributors engineering a greener future.
By engaging young minds today, we are building the foundations for a cleaner, more sustainable world and nurturing the changemakers who will accelerate the energy and digital infrastructure transition we all rely on.