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

  • Innovations in compact construction machines
    February 15, 2012
    2011 has already seen a host of new machine introductions among compact equipment makers, and we take a look at some of them in the utility sector With emissions legislation dominating the introduction of new machines over 130kW, smaller equipment has not been overlooked. Most firms have been working feverishly to produce quieter, more economical and more productive equipment and Japanese maker Takeuchi is a good example, having recently introduced a new 8.5 tonne midi excavator.
    Read More
  • Powerful but compact generator from Atlas Copco
    December 8, 2014
    Atlas Copco is now offering an updated version of its proven QAS 60 generator that is designed to provide greater mobility. A smaller footprint allows for 12 QAS 60 generators to be fitted into a standard container. The firm has made the design more compact as this helps cut transportation costs for its customers, especially those in the rental business. The new QAS 60 is less than 2.4m long so it can be placed sideways on a truck. This allows more units to be carried on a truck and also ensures easier
    Read More
  • Compaction innovations from key firms
    June 12, 2018
    The major manufacturers are introducing an array of advanced asphalt compaction machines - Mike Woof writes. New compaction machines are coming to market from an array of manufacturers, aiming to increase output and efficiency for road contractors. One of the most notable developments is with Hamm’s launch of a production hybrid compactor model, while other firms say they are also working on similar systems. However, several manufacturers have introduced new and improved machines with superior performance t
    Read More
  • Lindsay Transport’s Road Zipper at Hirschstetten and Stadlau Tunnels
    July 5, 2016
    Lindsay Transportation Solutions recently used the Intertraffic exhibition in Amsterdam to highlight a major deployment of its Road Zipper System in Austria Work is underway in Vienna to rehabilitate two ageing tunnels and the asphalt highway sections that connect them – a major route into and out of the Austrian capital Vienna. Tunnels, like bridges, offer additional challenges for road works. Typically, there is very little additional space and a work zone must be created from active traffic lanes. The
    Read More

Highlighted Content