A round “hole” in the mountains of Hokkaido, near Mt. Yotei, has been identified as the top of a circular reservoir used for a pumped-storage hydroelectric system. A reporting team discovered this site after aerial images prompted an investigation that led them to Kyogoku Town. The reservoir is situated at the summit and has a perimeter of approximately 1,500 meters, with a storage capacity of around 4.4 million cubic meters—equivalent to about three and a half Tokyo Domes.

The facility operates by storing water at high altitudes, which is then channeled through conduits to turbines located deep underground to generate electricity. When energy demand decreases, the system reverses its operation to pump water back uphill for future use. This mechanism allows it to function like a large rechargeable battery, stabilizing Hokkaido's power supply by absorbing excess electricity during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak times.

Hokkaido Electric Power oversees the operations from a control center in Sapporo, ensuring that supply meets demand continuously. The restricted access to the site includes safety measures such as sirens intended both for operational security and wildlife deterrence in the remote mountainous area. What initially appeared as an ordinary hole from above has revealed itself as an essential component of Hokkaido’s energy infrastructure designed for efficiency and reliability in power management.

Original article (hokkaido) (sapporo)

The article provides limited actionable information for a normal person. It describes the pumped-storage hydroelectric system in Hokkaido but does not offer any clear steps or instructions that individuals can take in their daily lives. There are no practical tips, safety advice, or resources that readers can utilize right away.

In terms of educational depth, the article explains how the pumped-storage system operates and its role in stabilizing Hokkaido's power supply. However, it does not delve deeply into the underlying principles of hydroelectric power generation or provide historical context about energy management systems. While it shares some facts and figures, it lacks an explanation of their significance or implications.

Regarding personal relevance, the topic may have indirect importance to readers living in Hokkaido by highlighting local energy infrastructure. However, for a broader audience, it does not significantly impact daily life decisions regarding energy consumption or financial planning.

The article has minimal public service function as it primarily reports on a specific site without offering safety advice or emergency contacts related to energy management. It lacks new context that could benefit public understanding.

Practicality is low since there are no actionable steps provided for readers to follow. The content is informative but does not translate into clear actions that individuals can realistically undertake.

In terms of long-term impact, while understanding such energy systems could contribute to awareness about sustainable practices and energy consumption in general, this article does not provide strategies for lasting positive effects on readers' lives.

Emotionally and psychologically, the article may evoke curiosity about renewable energy sources but does little to empower or reassure readers regarding their own roles in energy conservation or management.

Finally, there are no clickbait elements present; however, the lack of depth and actionable content represents missed opportunities for teaching and guiding readers. The article could have included suggestions on how individuals can reduce their own electricity usage during peak times or ways to engage with local renewable initiatives.

To find better information on this topic, interested readers might consider researching trusted websites focused on renewable energy technologies or contacting local utility companies for insights into community programs related to sustainable practices.

The text uses the phrase "essential component of Hokkaido’s energy infrastructure" which suggests that this facility is crucial without providing evidence for how it compares to other energy sources. This wording can create a belief that this system is the best or only solution for energy needs in Hokkaido, potentially downplaying other methods or technologies that could also contribute to energy management. It helps promote the pumped-storage hydroelectric system as a vital part of the region's power supply without discussing any limitations or alternatives.

The description of the facility as functioning "like a large rechargeable battery" simplifies and romanticizes its operation. This metaphor may lead readers to believe that it is an easy and straightforward solution for energy storage, while in reality, such systems can have complex operational challenges. This choice of words creates an impression of reliability and efficiency that might not reflect all aspects of its performance.

The phrase "stabilizing Hokkaido's power supply by absorbing excess electricity during low-demand periods" implies that this facility effectively manages fluctuations in electricity demand. However, it does not mention potential drawbacks or failures associated with relying on one type of technology for stability. By focusing solely on positive outcomes, the text may mislead readers into thinking there are no risks involved with this approach.

When mentioning "safety measures such as sirens intended both for operational security and wildlife deterrence," the wording could suggest a dual purpose without clarifying how often these measures are necessary or effective. This phrasing might lead readers to assume that wildlife encounters are common and pose significant risks, which could exaggerate concerns about environmental impacts from human activities at this site. The lack of context around these safety measures can create unnecessary fear about their implications.

The statement “What initially appeared as an ordinary hole from above has revealed itself” uses language that implies discovery and surprise but does not provide details on why it was overlooked initially. This framing can evoke curiosity but also suggests negligence on part of previous observers without substantiating those claims. Such wording may mislead readers into thinking there was a significant oversight when there may have been valid reasons for prior assumptions about the site’s nature.

Hokkaido Electric Power is described as overseeing operations “from a control center in Sapporo,” which presents them as organized and efficient but lacks detail about their accountability or transparency in operations. By focusing only on their role without addressing public concerns regarding oversight or decision-making processes, it creates an impression of trustworthiness while potentially masking issues related to corporate governance or community engagement. The way this information is presented minimizes scrutiny over how power management decisions affect local residents’ lives.

The text states “restricted access to the site includes safety measures,” implying these restrictions are purely precautionary without explaining who enforces them or why they exist beyond safety concerns alone. This lack of detail can lead readers to overlook possible motives behind restricted access, such as protecting corporate interests rather than just ensuring public safety or environmental protection. The way restrictions are framed here could obscure broader implications regarding transparency and public involvement in local energy projects.

In saying “the system reverses its operation,” the text uses passive voice which removes agency from whoever manages these operations; thus it sounds more like an automatic process rather than one governed by human decisions and actions. This choice makes it seem like technology alone drives efficiency instead of highlighting human responsibility behind managing complex systems like pumped-storage hydroelectric facilities. By doing so, it diminishes recognition of potential errors made by operators during critical times when demand fluctuates significantly.

The text presents a range of emotions that contribute to its overall message about the pumped-storage hydroelectric system in Hokkaido. One prominent emotion is excitement, which emerges from the discovery of what initially seemed like an ordinary hole in the mountains. The phrase "has been identified as the top of a circular reservoir" conveys a sense of wonder and intrigue, suggesting that there is more than meets the eye. This excitement serves to engage readers, prompting them to appreciate the technological marvel hidden within nature.

Another emotion present is pride, particularly in relation to Hokkaido Electric Power's management of this facility. The description of how the system operates—storing water at high altitudes and generating electricity—evokes a sense of accomplishment regarding human ingenuity and innovation. Words like "essential component" emphasize its importance in stabilizing Hokkaido's power supply, fostering a feeling of trust in local energy management. This pride encourages readers to feel positively about their energy infrastructure and reinforces confidence in its reliability.

Fear subtly underlies some aspects of the text, especially concerning safety measures such as sirens for operational security and wildlife deterrence. While not overtly stated as fear, these elements suggest potential dangers associated with operating such a facility in remote mountainous areas. By including these safety precautions, the text acknowledges risks while simultaneously reassuring readers that they are being managed effectively.

The emotional tones throughout serve specific purposes: they create sympathy for both nature and technology by highlighting their interdependence; they cause worry by hinting at potential dangers; they build trust through showcasing responsible management practices; and they inspire action by emphasizing efficiency and reliability in power management. These emotions guide readers toward an appreciation for renewable energy solutions while also recognizing human efforts to balance ecological concerns with technological advancements.

The writer employs various techniques to enhance emotional impact. For instance, phrases like "function like a large rechargeable battery" simplify complex ideas into relatable concepts that evoke curiosity and understanding among readers. Comparisons such as equating storage capacity to "about three and a half Tokyo Domes" make abstract figures tangible, allowing readers to visualize scale effectively. Additionally, using strong action verbs like "channel," "generate," and "absorb" injects dynamism into descriptions, making them more engaging.

By carefully selecting words that evoke strong imagery or feelings rather than neutral terms, the writer steers attention toward both the significance of this facility and its role within Hokkaido’s energy landscape. Such choices not only inform but also persuade readers about the value of innovative energy solutions while fostering an emotional connection with both technology and nature alike.