Skip to main content

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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Power Pavers and Power Curbers are powering up production
    April 12, 2018
    Power Curbers and its sister company Power Pavers are both benefiting from increased demand for machines - Mike Woof writes Both Power Pavers and Power Curbers are experiencing strong demand from customers for new machines. Both firms have long order books at present, with an improved US market having helped unlock pent up demand from contractors that had deferred decisions to buy new units for some time. And both Power Curbers and Power Pavers are also benefiting from strong overseas sales also, to mark
  • Highway tunnel will boost Amsterdam's economy?
    March 15, 2012
    An important tunnel project is being put forward for the city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
  • Asphalt paving innovations are being unveiled
    June 11, 2019
    Asphalt paving technology has moved forward another step
  • Life DYNAMAP: real-time mapping of road infrastructure noise
    October 15, 2015
    The world’s best road infrastructure project can also have the world’s worst traffic noise problem. But where to start defeating this noise pollution? Road traffic noise is one of the most obvious aspects affecting the quality of life in urban areas. To combat this, local, national and international authorities have developed initiatives to avoid, prevent or reduce exposure to noise. One of these initiatives – Life DYNAMAP – is underway by a group of researchers in Germany, Spain and Italy. The project is f