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

  • Transport under the spotlight
    February 13, 2012
    A round-up of some of the major transport-related meetings that have been held in Europe. Compiled by Patrick Smith. Europe has hosted a number of annual events over the last few weeks, where important matters of transport were discussed, reports produced, and decisions taken. ASECAP (the European Association of Tolled Motorways, Bridges and Tunnels Infrastructures Operators); International Transport Forum (ITF); Arena (TRA); International Road Federation (IRF), and the European Construction Industry Federa
    Read More
  • Bentley is building its software solutions portfolio
    May 14, 2015
    Bentley Systems continues to develop its portfolio of software solutions - Mike Woof writes One of the leaders in the field of construction software, Bentley Systems is developing its array of solutions for industry users. The company is growing both by acquisition and organically, using its financial strength to buy up smaller niche firms as well as developing the capabilities of its in-house software further. The company has recently made three key acquisitions, for EADOC, Acute3D and C3global. The
    Read More
  • Moving the earth with improved environmental credentials
    August 9, 2018
    Driver comfort, more power and improved environmental credentials highlight some of the latest earthmoving equipment Doosan Construction Equipment has launched a new version of the company’s DA30 30tonne class articulated dump truck (ADT), now in a new colour scheme. Most of the changes are for better operator comfort and controllability of the machine. But there are also changes in the driveline and electrical systems. The most important development is an upgrade of the suspension to a hydro-gas self-lev
    Read More
  • Beyond cost: forging a solutions-led partnership for highways carbon-saving
    December 30, 2024
    Changing highways procurement is increasingly focusing material specification to drive carbon savings as well as cost. A longstanding partnership between Huyton Asphalt and Tarmac is delivering new solutions for highways clients in the UK.
    Read More

Highlighted Content