The energy supply systems in whole of Japan were significantly damaged due to accidents at nuclear power plants and disruption of operation at thermal power plants. This has gathered public attention on the importance of maintaining of lifelines in the event of disasters and town development based on self-sufficient renewable energy.

As the core institution, Tohoku University launched the consortium on the Next-generation Energies for Tohoku Recovery -NET- collaborated with universities and local governments stricken by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The NET will research and develop next generation energies and energy management systems tailored to the local climate and geographical features.