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

  • Major advances are being seen in aggregate production technologies
    June 28, 2013
    Recent exhibitions have been launch venues for key developments in aggregate production technologies - Mike Woof reports Efficient production of aggregates is crucial for maintaining cost-effectiveness and also lowering material costs. With contractors owning many of their own quarry operations, these firms understand the benefits of reducing materials costs for their road construction projects. Major developments in the equipment for crushing, screening and washing aggregates are now coming to market and e
    Read More
  • Hammerglass barriers for Förbifart Stockholm
    August 20, 2021
    Swedish firm Hammerglass is supplying its transparent PostFree sound barriers for the bypass.
    Read More
  • The MBT-1 from Mobile Barriers now protecting workers in the UK
    July 16, 2019
    Two giant US-made 21m-long mobile barriers are now keeping highway maintenance workers safe in England. The 16tonne barriers were made in by Mobile Barriers, based in Denver, in the state of Colorado. They have been deployed in the West Midlands region of England in collaboration with UK highways maintenance contractor Kier. With yearly operating costs of US$17,000, the MBT-1 can pay for itself with nominal usage, according to the manufacturer. This could be in less than two years with 10-15 lane clos
    Read More
  • Are friends electric? – the drives
    October 3, 2018
    Advances in drive technology are being seen from several key firms as new generation, compact electric systems begin entering the market - Mike Woof writes Major innovations in machine systems are being seen in the construction equipment sector. Several manufacturers are hedging their bets with regard to drive technology and introducing electric drive machines, which will suit use in urban ultra-low emission zones. Wacker Neuson has developed an array of electric machines in recent years including a numbe
    Read More

Highlighted Content