Japan's highways to generate power

An innovative approach to power generation is being taken in Japan, with highway companies planning to rent out space to utility companies to install solar power arrays.
February 23, 2012 Read time: 1 min
An innovative approach to power generation is being taken in Japan, with highway companies planning to rent out space to utility companies to install solar power arrays. Existing sound insulation barriers could be fitted with solar panels, while additional barriers could be installed to carry the solar power generators. The plan is intended to boost solar power generation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The plan will also help reduce the impact of highways in urban areas as the solar arrays will provide additional noise attenuation capabilities. Under a plan from the 3052 Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, highway firms will rent out roadside embankments, soundproof walls and other unused space in the highway system throughout the country to 900 Kyocera, 901 Toshiba, 3051 Sharp and other solar power generation companies. The plan will be commencing in 2012.
Highway & Network Management

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • India's electric vehicle future
    March 23, 2012
    Strong potential for electric vehicles is expected in India. Existing problems of pollution and massive population growth in cities and urban areas is expected to help fuel demand for electric vehicles in the country.
    Read More
  • Mobile Barriers develops crane-and-bucket for Mobile Barrier MBT-1
    November 7, 2017
    Mobile BarrierMobile Barriers has developed a crane with a hook-and-bucket setup for the company’s Mobile Barrier MBT-1. The crane-and-bucket combination is positioned on its own 3m removeable wall section and provides a 9.15m reach and a capacity of 3900kg at base and 680kg at 9.15m. The unit can be operated from the ground or bucket via wireless controls. The bucket can be rotated out of the way or removed when not in use. Physical Stop points ensure that the crane and bucket do not encroach on live lanes
    Read More
  • Key innovations in engines and drivelines technology at Conexpo 2014
    April 22, 2014
    Engines and drivelines technologies have move forward, as could be seen at Conexpo 2014 - Geoff Ascroft reports Solutions for Tier 4 Final emissions regulations dominated Conexpo 2014, with many firms showing off their options of DOC, DPF and SCR after-treatments. Deutz, while staying with an SCR-only solution, took a more unusual approach on its high horsepower V6 12litre and V8 16litre engines. Both get a dual SCR after treatment system to meet Tier 4 Final emission standards. Using a dual SCR system,
    Read More
  • It’s in with the new for asphalt plants
    April 4, 2013
    A leading asphalt plant manufacturer is playing a key role in the upgrade of a major European airport, while another is said to have created one of the most modern plants in Europe. Meanwhile, a host of new plants and plant concepts have been, or are about to be, unveiled. Guy Woodford reports Intrame says its ultra-mobile UM-280 asphalt plant has played a key role in the resurfacing of the runway and taxiways at Gatwick Airport in southern England – the busiest single runway airport in the world. Around 35
    Read More

Highlighted Content