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

  • Zimbabwe highway project linking with its neighbours
    November 28, 2016
    Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge to Chirundu highway link now looks set for a complete upgrade. The project has been planned for over 10 years but has faced a series of setbacks and delays, with funding having proved one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the past. The 897km highway runs from Beitbridge, located on the border with South Africa in the south of Zimbabwe all the way up to Chirundu, which is just over the border with Zambia in the north. The route includes part of the A4 highway in the south and the A1 hi
    Read More
  • New industry developments push boundaries of machine control
    May 22, 2014
    A series of innovations in machine control or automation technologies are helping transform the construction industry - Mike Woof writes Equipment manufacturer have made huge advances in machine performance, delivering new models that offer increased capabilities and productivity, while using less fuel. Reliability and uptime too have been improved, with the development of equipment that can forestall unplanned downtime by telling the user when it will require service attention. Meanwhile new engines delive
    Read More
  • Benninghoven hydrogen burner makes a mark
    February 27, 2024
    Benninghoven says that a customer now has hundreds of hours using its hydrogen burner for asphalt production.
    Read More

Highlighted Content