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A notable example is Suo Onsen, a town of about 300 residents located in Fukushima in the Tohoku region. Renowned for its hot springs, Suo Onsen has served as a cornerstone of local livelihood for over a millennium. However, the 2011 nuclear accident significantly disrupted its fortunes, with tourism declining by more than 40%, and frequent power outages hampering daily life. These challenges created an urgent need for alternative energy solutions to revitalize the town’s economy.