Overview
Ishinomaki is a 14 MW operational solar PV facility located in Japan. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the national feed-in tariff scheme.
Ishinomaki is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Japan, with an operational capacity of 14 megawatts (MW). This facility is part of Japan's growing solar energy sector, which has expanded significantly since the introduction of feed-in tariffs for renewable energy. The plant is situated in the Tohoku region, an area that has seen increased investment in renewable energy following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The facility operates under Japan's renewable energy regulatory framework, which includes a feed-in tariff (FIT) program that guarantees fixed payments for solar-generated electricity over a 20-year period. This policy has driven substantial solar capacity additions across the country. At 14 MW, Ishinomaki is considered a medium-scale solar installation, typical for ground-mounted projects in Japan. Environmentally, the plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV systems have minimal operational emissions and require no water for cooling, making them suitable for Japan's energy transition goals. The facility supports local grid stability and aligns with national targets to increase renewable energy's share in the power mix.
Environmental context
The Ishinomaki solar PV plant is located in the Tohoku region of Japan, an area with a temperate climate and moderate solar irradiance. Solar farms in this region can have land-use impacts, typically requiring large areas of flat or gently sloping land. However, they produce no air or water pollution during operation. The facility's location near the coast may also involve considerations for flood risk and land use compatibility with local ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
The Ishinomaki solar PV plant is located in Japan, with coordinates approximately 38.455 N, 141.376 E, near the city of Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture.
The Ishinomaki solar plant has an installed capacity of 14 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Ishinomaki is a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, which converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels. The specific panel type is not disclosed, but typical utility-scale PV plants use crystalline silicon or thin-film modules.
Japan's feed-in tariff (FIT) program, introduced in 2012, guarantees fixed payments for electricity generated from renewable sources, including solar PV. For plants like Ishinomaki, the FIT provides a stable revenue stream over 20 years, encouraging investment in solar energy.
Solar PV plants like Ishinomaki have low operational emissions and do not consume water for cooling. However, they require land area, which can affect local habitats. Japan's regulatory framework includes environmental assessments to mitigate such impacts.