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

  • Innovative asphalt paving technology is coming to market from Vögele
    January 6, 2017
    From Vögele comes a new range of pavers in the shape of its latest generation machines, which are said to offer higher performance productivity and finish quality, along with lower emissions and running costs. The new machines being offered are the 1900-3, 1300-3 and 1100-3 tracked pavers, as well as the 1303-3 and 1103-3 wheeled pavers and these come in addition to the existing 2100-3, with the 1600-3 and 1800-3 also due shortly.
    Read More
  • Innovative asphalt paving technology is coming to market from Vögele
    February 13, 2013
    From Vögele comes a new range of pavers in the shape of its latest generation machines, which are said to offer higher performance productivity and finish quality, along with lower emissions and running costs. The new machines being offered are the 1900-3, 1300-3 and 1100-3 tracked pavers, as well as the 1303-3 and 1103-3 wheeled pavers and these come in addition to the existing 2100-3, with the 1600-3 and 1800-3 also due shortly.
    Read More
  • Advances in asphalt compaction are delivering increased performance
    January 19, 2018
    Advances in asphalt compaction are offering improved performance right across the spectrum of size and capacity – Mike Woof writes. New asphalt compaction machines are offering major gains in performance as firms develop new systems. Large and small asphalt compactors now offer higher output than earlier generation machines, while delivering better quality and lower fuel consumption as well as gains in reliability, durability, safety, ergonomics and operator comfort.
    Read More
  • Asphalt milling and paving with 3D control
    February 16, 2012
    Milling and paving repair operations for airport runways require particularly high tolerances, an obvious market for 3D control solutions writes Mike Woof. Airport runways require some of the most accurate quality standards and tightest tolerances of any asphalt or concrete surface. This is one area where the high precision capabilities of 3D systems offer clear advantages.
    Read More

Highlighted Content