Overview
Kikugawa B is a 7.6 MW solar PV facility located in Japan. The plant is operational and contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the feed-in tariff scheme.
Kikugawa B is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Japan, with a capacity of 7.6 megawatts (MW). The facility is operational and contributes to Japan's growing renewable energy portfolio. Solar PV is a key technology in Japan's energy mix, supported by national policies promoting clean energy. The plant operates under Japan's feed-in tariff (FIT) system, which has driven significant solar deployment since its introduction in 2012. The 7.6 MW capacity places Kikugawa B in the small-to-medium scale range for solar PV in Japan, where utility-scale projects often exceed 50 MW. The facility uses standard solar panel technology to convert sunlight into electricity. Kikugawa B supports Japan's energy transition by generating clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and contributing to grid stability. The plant's output helps meet local energy demand and aligns with Japan's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Its location in the Shizuoka Prefecture benefits from favorable solar irradiation levels.
Environmental context
Solar PV plants like Kikugawa B have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no direct emissions. However, land use for solar arrays can impact local ecosystems and agriculture. In Japan, where land is scarce, ground-mounted solar farms may compete with other land uses. Proper siting and mitigation measures, such as dual-use agriculture, can reduce these impacts. The facility's location in a temperate region with adequate sunlight supports efficient energy generation.
Frequently asked questions
Kikugawa B is a solar PV plant located in Japan, with coordinates approximately 34.6640 N, 138.1015 E, in the Shizuoka Prefecture.
Kikugawa B has a capacity of 7.6 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar PV facility.
Kikugawa B generates clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting Japan's target of carbon neutrality by 2050. It operates under the national feed-in tariff program.
Japan's feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme, introduced in 2012, has been the primary driver for solar PV growth. The government also promotes renewable energy through the Strategic Energy Plan and long-term decarbonization targets.
Solar PV plants have low operational emissions but require land, which can impact local ecosystems. In Japan, land scarcity necessitates careful siting, and dual-use agriculture (agrivoltaics) is sometimes employed to mitigate land-use conflicts.