Overview
Iitate is a 23.4 MW solar PV facility located in Japan. The plant is operational and contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the national feed-in tariff scheme.
Iitate is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Japan, with a capacity of 23.4 megawatts (MW). The facility is operational and represents a medium-scale solar installation within the country's renewable energy portfolio. Japan has been actively expanding its solar energy capacity, supported by feed-in tariffs and the government's commitment to increasing renewable energy generation. The plant's technical specifications include a capacity of 23.4 MW, which places it in the medium-scale range for solar PV facilities in Japan. The facility uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, contributing to the grid. Japan's regulatory framework, including the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme introduced in 2012, has driven significant growth in solar PV installations across the country. Environmentally, Iitate supports Japan's transition to low-carbon energy by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. Solar PV plants like Iitate help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on imported fuels. The facility also aligns with Japan's energy policy goals, which aim to increase the share of renewables in the power mix to 36-38% by 2030.
Environmental context
Solar PV plants in Japan, such as Iitate, are typically installed on land or rooftops, requiring significant land area for ground-mounted systems. The environmental impact includes land-use change and potential effects on local ecosystems. However, solar energy generation produces no direct emissions during operation, contributing to improved air quality and reduced carbon footprint. Japan's mountainous terrain and limited flat land can pose siting challenges, but solar PV remains a key technology for meeting renewable energy targets.
Frequently asked questions
The Iitate solar PV plant is located in Japan, with coordinates approximately 37.688000 N, 140.722000 E.
The Iitate solar plant has a capacity of 23.4 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Yes, the Iitate solar plant is operational and currently generating electricity.
Japan's solar PV sector is supported by the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, which guarantees fixed payments for renewable electricity, and the country's goal to achieve 36-38% renewable energy by 2030.
Solar PV is a key component of Japan's renewable energy strategy, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The country has seen rapid solar capacity growth since the introduction of FITs.