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 generation asphalt plants coming to market
    April 21, 2016
    New generation asphalt plants offer key benefits such as being more versatile, more mobile and able to cope with greater quantities of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) - Mike Woof writes Several asphalt plant manufacturers are introducing new technologies for 2016. Key developments focus on issues such as the use of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and plant mobility, as well as improved mix control. Output quality has been improved by the latest technology, which can allow for much higher quantities of RA
    Read More
  • Versatile small construction equipment
    February 9, 2012
    Smaller construction equipment offers versatile options, particularly on highway repair and maintenance projects. Patrick Smith reports. Visitors to any highway construction site across the world will see a sizeable amount of utility equipment in action carrying out a variety of tasks. Indeed, because of its smaller, more compact size, such multi-task equipment is essential when repair and maintenance projects are being carried out, particularly in urban areas where space may be limited.
    Read More
  • Asphalt compaction seeing major technical advances
    August 24, 2016
    Key innovations in asphalt compaction will help improve overall paving quality - Mike Woof writes
    Read More
  • Developments in compact asphalt compaction
    February 20, 2012
    An array of new models has increased competition in the market for compact asphalt compaction products - Mike Woof reports
    Read More

Highlighted Content