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

  • New bridge is spanning China’s Yangtze River
    June 28, 2013
    There is massive development in design and construction of bridges in China and the Yingwuzhou Bridge over the Yangtze River is one key project – Mike Woof reports, with assistance from Route One’s Chinese publishing partner *CMTM Called the Mother River, the Yangtze is a focal point for China politically, economically and culturally. The river has been at the heart of China’s development for millennia, its history stretching back as far as the dawn of human civilisation. The name Yangtze, or Yangzi, is its
    Read More
  • Noise reduction for busy UK motorway
    March 21, 2016
    A key advance has been made in reducing noise along the busy M40 motorway in the UK. The work forms part of a design contract worth up to €2.62 million (£2 million). WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff is reviewing sites along the M40 between junction 3 (Loudwater) and junction 8 (Wheatley), where road noise is a particular issue. Earlier this year, Highways England, working in partnership with the M40 Chiltern Environmental Group, (M40 CEG) Wycombe District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council, ran a
    Read More
  • All-new road markings on world’s highways
    June 28, 2013
    Road marking manufacturers have many innovative new products either currently being used on major highways or set to be made available within the next couple of years. Guy Woodford reports. Daan Roosegaarde, an artist, and Hans Goris, a manager at Dutch construction and infrastructure firm Heijmans, are developing intriguing new products for the road markings market. One innovation involves painting road markings with glow-in-the-dark paint.
    Read More
  • Safety barriers offer positive workzone protection
    February 10, 2012
    A road project in Utah has benefited from the use of effective barrier protection during construction. *Paul Grant reports An upgraded section of road from 3500 South in West Valley City, Utah, is now open to traffic. The link was completely rebuilt by Utah DoT (UDOT) from the Bangerter Highway to 2700 West, and the road carries traffic from West Valley toward downtown Salt Lake City and the University of Utah. The work added two centre lanes, which are now the first dedicated Bus Rapid Transit lanes in Uta
    Read More

Highlighted Content