We investigate and develop a wide variety of wireless communications that are essential for the realization of an environmentally friendly sustainable human society. Our research covers basic theories to real applications, focusing especially on the total optimization of sensing and control in large-scale systems with wireless communications, which is required in energy/industrial systems, ITS (intelligent transportation systems), and disaster support systems. From the viewpoint of communications media, our scope includes not only radio waves but also optical wireless communications, power line communications, and more.

In order to realize the stable and reliable operation of future electric power system with high penetration renewable energy such as photovoltaic power generation and wind power generation, we investigate and develop the following issues: highly accurate and reliable forecasting and nowcasting method of renewable power output, sophisticated planning and operation method of electric power system, control method of demand-side resources and distributed generators to contribute to power system operation. In addition, we develop a time-series data of future electricity demand and renewable power output to be used in a system assessment in consideration of the actual situation.

Among the various technological developments toward solving environmental and energy problems, bioremediation and materials/resources syntheses using microorganisms are expected to be used as energy-saving technologies that can be applied on-site. We have found that solid-phase humus (humin) has an external-electron-mediating function for various anaerobic microorganisms, in which humin supplies the external electrons to the microbial cells directly and activates them. We are studying the mechanism of this external-electron transfer and developing a microbial electrochemical system. It is expected that the study will elucidate the biological energy network working in the natural environment and lead to the development of new technologies for environmental remediation and material biosynthesis by the activation of microorganisms using a small amount of electricity that can be supplied by solar cells.

We are conducting research to realize a sustainable society by assessing the impact of energy and the environment. Focusing particularly on land use and spatial evaluation of the natural environment, we are working on the comprehensive solution of problems related to renewable energy（ biomass, small-scale hydropower, solar power, etc.）, ecosystem services, economy, and society. Along with environment assessments ranging from small-scale field surveys to global-scale assessment, we are engaged in research with an interdisciplinary approach combining, for example, spatial analysis such as GIS（ Geographical Information System）, AI, UAV, and field surveys.

We conduct research on the application of micro space formed by ultrasonication to the material design and development of chemical/physical processes aiding energy conversion and wastetreatment.

In Japan, the self-sufficiency of energy supply is quite low, and also, the population is expected to decline.
An important and demanding task is deciding how to maintain our activity while reducing energy consumption. All materials necessary for our lives are on a cycle: they are received from the earth,
used in human society, and then returned to the earth. We study waste management, treatment, and
disposal in an energy- saving material cycle.