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

  • Innovations in aggregates production will boost quarry efficiency
    March 16, 2016
    New innovations are underway that will help optimise rock crushing and screening operations and boost quarry efficiency overall - Mike Woof writes. Quarrying is a tough industry that provides enormous challenges to equipment providers as machines and technology have to be rugged, durable and productive. Cutting the cost of production while optimising output has been a major target for suppliers, with new technologies playing an increasingly important role. Taking the long view with regard to increased qu
  • A clean power innovation from Cummins
    September 24, 2021
    A clean power innovation from Cummins is now in development.
  • Thompson Pump unveils noise cancellation concept for its pumps
    March 10, 2017
    Thompson Pump revealed a new noise cancellation concept it calls 'Pump of the Future' at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. The company's Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system mitigates unwanted sound from diesel-driven pumps by adding a secondary sound that acts to cancel the primary noise.
  • Logging stud
    February 6, 2012
    A simple new solar-powered, selfcontained data collection option is available from Clearview Traffic, which offers an innovative solution for vehicle counting on a wide range of roads. The M210 solar powered logging stud offers an alternative to the traditional single loop site by providing count information in a simple, self contained unit. Clearview Traffic has combined its expertise with a range of technologies including solar power, radio communications and magnetometer based vehicle detection. The M210