Melting snow in heavy snowfall areas to generate electricity. Demonstration experiment of "snow power generation" aiming for three birds with one stone succeeds.

A demonstration experiment for "snow power generation" was conducted in the Niseko area of Hokkaido over a one-month period from January 19 to February 19, 2025. This power generation system uses a Stirling engine that moves a piston using the temperature difference between snow and a high-temperature heat source. The high-temperature heat source utilizes thermal energy derived from non-fossil fuel sources. By using snow for power generation, it simultaneously melts snow and collects the melted water for reuse. This initiative aims to achieve three goals at once: "power generation using renewable energy," "snow melting in heavy snowfall areas," and "alleviating water shortages."

The demonstration experiment was conducted by The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyu Real Estate R&D Center, and Tokyu Real Estate, which jointly developed the power generation system. The engine capacity was reportedly increased to about six times that of last season when the experiment began.

The results of the demonstration experiment confirmed the successful utilization of the generated electricity, the successful snow melting on roads and roofs, and the feasibility of simple filtration making the melted snowwater usable for toilets. Furthermore, verification of filtration methods capable of achieving drinking water quality was conducted, revealing prospects for the reuse of melted snowwater.

Snow melting on the ground. Left: Before melting Right: After melting (5 hours later) – The road surface dried completely (Photo credit: Enoki Laboratory, The University of Electro-Communications)
 

Roof snow melting process. Left: Before melting (approx. 20cm snow accumulation) Right: After melting (4 hours later). Antifreeze is circulated through the stainless steel bellows pipe in the center to melt the snow. The temperature difference between the cooled antifreeze (after melting snow) and the high-temperature heat source drives the engine, generating electricity. (Photo credit: Professor Koji Enoki Laboratory, The University of Electro-Communications)

Road snow removal incurs enormous costs, and roof snow removal poses significant dangers, presenting major challenges for people living in heavy snowfall areas. "Snow power generation" has shown potential to address these problems. Furthermore, this demonstration experiment proved the system functions as an independent power generation facility even in environments without power lines. Experts commented, "It holds promise as a compact emergency infrastructure facility capable of supplying not only power and heat, but also water."

According to the results report from Professor Koji Enoki's laboratory at the University of Electro-Communications, "The roof snow melting system is characterized not only by melting snow but also by incorporating measures to prevent snow falling off the roof, thereby demonstrating a mechanism to prevent secondary disasters. By continuously supplying snow, it enables 'extensive snow melting' while obtaining the necessary water." Associate Professor Koji Enoki commented on future prospects, stating, "This demonstration experiment yielded unprecedented results. I believe we are just one step away from practical implementation."

Hiroki Shirakura, Section Chief of the Development Planning Group at Tokyu Land Corporation, stated, "Power generation utilizing temperature differences is already socially implemented with deep ocean water. For high-temperature heat sources, we utilized a biomass boiler this time, but there are various potential heat sources like geothermal heat and hot spring heat. We could sense new possibilities for snow melting, which is a problem in cold regions. We want to continue advancing discussions toward social implementation while further confirming the effectiveness of this technology."

Mr. Takeshi Araki of Dentsu Inc., who is supporting the commercialization of this initiative, also commented on its value and high potential: "The combination of high-temperature and low-temperature heat sources also holds various possibilities. The appeal of this snow power generation initiative is that it can generate renewable energy while melting snow that previously impacted daily life in heavy snowfall areas. While some renewable energy generation methods may conflict with various industries, snow power generation is designed with significant benefits in improving the convenience of daily life, making it highly valuable."

Future developments toward practical application are anticipated.

Results report by Professor Koji Enoki's Laboratory at the University of Electro-Communications:
[Breaking News] Successful Report on Snow Power Generation (2025)