Overview
Date City is a 10.4 MW operational solar PV facility in Japan, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under the Feed-in Tariff scheme.
Date City is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Japan, with an operational status and a capacity of 10.4 MW. The facility is situated at coordinates 42.478000, 140.834000, likely in the Hokkaido region. As a solar PV installation, it converts sunlight directly into electricity, supporting Japan's transition to cleaner energy sources. Japan's renewable energy sector operates under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, introduced after the Fukushima disaster to promote solar, wind, and other renewables. The 10.4 MW scale places Date City in the medium-sized category for solar farms in Japan, which typically range from 1 MW to over 50 MW. The facility benefits from Japan's high solar irradiance in certain regions and the government's target of 36-38% renewable energy by 2030. Environmentally, solar PV plants like Date City have a low operational carbon footprint but require land use and can impact local ecosystems through habitat alteration. In Japan, grid integration of solar power is a key challenge due to limited interconnection capacity and seasonal variability. The facility's electricity likely feeds into the local grid, contributing to regional energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Environmental context
Solar PV installations in Japan, such as Date City, are typically sited on flat or gently sloping land, which can lead to land-use conflicts with agriculture or natural habitats. The facility's location in Hokkaido, a region with significant snowfall, may require design considerations for snow load and panel orientation. Grid integration remains a challenge due to Japan's fragmented grid system and the need for storage solutions to manage solar variability.
Frequently asked questions
Date City solar PV plant is located in Japan, at coordinates 42.478000, 140.834000, likely in the Hokkaido region.
Date City solar plant has a capacity of 10.4 MW, making it a medium-sized solar PV facility in Japan.
Yes, Date City solar plant is operational and generates electricity from solar energy.
Japan's solar energy sector is supported by the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, which guarantees fixed payments for renewable electricity, and the country's goal of 36-38% renewable energy by 2030.
Solar PV plants like Date City have low operational emissions but require land use, which can affect local habitats. Grid integration and seasonal variability are key challenges in Japan.