Toshiba’s Solar And Wind Electricity Generation Project in Tahara City, Japan

BY Editor

Solar/Wind Electricity Generation Project in Tahara City

Nov 07, 2012– Tahara City, Japan  (Techreleased) – Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., C-Tech Corporation, Toagosei Co., Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Toray Industries, Inc., and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., announced today that a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture on the planned site for the nation’s largest solar and wind power generation facilities, and that construction will commence shortly.

In October 2011, the seven participating companies agreed to conduct feasibility and commercialization studies for the project. Based on the successful conclusion of these studies, the companies entered into an official agreement in September 2012.

1. Outline of Operations

2. Importance and Objective

The project is significant in bringing together seven companies with technology and knowledge of solar and wind electric power generation products and business operations to construct Japan’s largest facility for solar (mega solar) and wind electricity generation. In line with the government’s promotion of renewable energy, numerous “mega solar” and wind power electric generation projects are expected. Reinforcement of infrastructure for generation and connective systems, in addition to development of technology and cost cuts will be necessary. Participating companies will share knowhow and issues during the long term management of the operation. This accumulated problem resolution knowhow will contribute to future efforts in renewable energy.
Moreover, participating companies will maintain a cooperative technological relationship with the Chubu Electric Power Co., and will acquire new technology and knowledge unique to the nation’s largest solar energy generation facility.

3. Location and Collaboration

The construction site is a choice location due to its top level daylight hours and wind velocity which are expected to yield high generation.
Additionally, the project coincides with new energy plans of the municipal and prefectural governments and has received the full support of these bodies. From Aichi prefecture, the project has received financial support based on the prefectural government’s subsidies for research and development to create a new “Aichi” and from Tahara City under a program to provide incentives to new local business ventures.
The member companies will continue to pursue development of new energy while collaborating with municipal and prefectural bodies and fulfilling responsibilities to the community.
The project expects to be financed by syndicated loans, mainly from the Development Bank of Japan.

4. Electricity Generation and Contribution to the Environment

Total solar and wind electricity generation: Approximately 67,500MWh/year
(equivalent to annual consumption of approximately 19,000 households, approximately 90% of Tahara City’s households)
Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions: Approximately 32,000 tons CO₂/year
(equivalent to carbon dioxide absorption of 2.3 million cedar trees)