Overview
Kamenoko is a 32.6 MW operational solar PV facility in Japan. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under national feed-in tariff policies.
Kamenoko is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Japan, with an operational status and a capacity of 32.6 megawatts. As a solar PV installation, it converts sunlight directly into electricity, supporting Japan's transition toward cleaner energy sources. Japan's renewable energy sector operates under the Act on Special Measures Concerning Procurement of Renewable Energy Electricity by Electricity Utilities, which established a feed-in tariff (FIT) program to incentivize solar, wind, and other renewables. The 32.6 MW capacity places Kamenoko in the medium-to-large scale range for solar PV in Japan, where many ground-mounted installations range from 10 MW to over 100 MW. The facility likely benefits from long-term FIT contracts, ensuring stable revenue for generated electricity. Environmentally, solar PV plants like Kamenoko produce no direct emissions during operation, helping reduce Japan's reliance on fossil fuels. However, large-scale solar farms can require significant land use, potentially impacting local ecosystems or agricultural areas. The facility's grid integration is supported by Japan's ongoing grid modernization efforts, which aim to accommodate variable renewable energy sources. Overall, Kamenoko represents a modest but meaningful contribution to Japan's renewable energy portfolio.
Environmental context
Japan's solar PV installations, including Kamenoko, are part of the country's strategy to increase renewable energy share post-Fukushima. While solar farms reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they can involve land-use changes and visual impacts. Japan's mountainous terrain often limits available flat land, leading to development on hillsides or agricultural areas, which may affect local biodiversity. The facility's location in a region with high solar insolation supports efficient energy generation.
Frequently asked questions
Kamenoko is located in Japan at coordinates 32.013°N, 131.375°E. The specific city or prefecture is not disclosed in public records.
Kamenoko has a capacity of 32.6 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale solar PV installation in Japan.
Japan's feed-in tariff (FIT) program guarantees fixed payments for renewable electricity over a long term, typically 20 years for solar. This provides stable revenue for facilities like Kamenoko, encouraging investment in solar energy.
Solar PV plants produce electricity without direct greenhouse gas emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They also have low water consumption compared to thermal power plants and can be deployed on various land types.
Japan's renewable energy sector is regulated under the Act on Special Measures Concerning Procurement of Renewable Energy Electricity, which introduced the FIT program in 2012. The government periodically revises FIT prices to balance deployment and consumer costs.