Overview
Kirishima A is a 20 MW solar PV facility located in Kirishima, Japan. It is operational and contributes to Japan's renewable energy capacity under the country's feed-in tariff program.
Kirishima A is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. With a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW), it is a medium-scale solar installation that supports Japan's transition to renewable energy. The facility is operational and connected to the grid, providing clean electricity to the region. The plant operates under Japan's feed-in tariff (FIT) system, which was introduced in 2012 to promote renewable energy deployment. Solar PV is the dominant renewable technology in Japan, driven by favorable FIT rates and declining costs. The 20 MW capacity places Kirishima A among the many utility-scale solar projects that have been developed across the country, particularly in sunnier regions like Kyushu. Environmentally, the facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. Solar PV plants like Kirishima A have a low operational carbon footprint and require minimal water for operation. The plant's location in a region with high solar irradiance maximizes energy yield, supporting Japan's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Environmental context
Kirishima A is situated in Kagoshima Prefecture, which benefits from high solar irradiance due to its southern latitude. The region's climate is subtropical, with ample sunshine year-round, making it ideal for solar energy generation. The facility's land use involves converting open or agricultural land to solar arrays, which can impact local ecosystems. However, solar PV has a relatively low environmental footprint compared to fossil fuels, with no air emissions or water consumption during operation. The plant supports Japan's renewable energy targets and helps reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Frequently asked questions
Kirishima A is located in Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The facility's coordinates are approximately 31.7420° N, 130.7010° E.
Kirishima A has a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic power plant.
Kirishima A uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight into electricity. It is a ground-mounted solar array.
Japan's feed-in tariff (FIT) program guarantees fixed payments for renewable electricity generation over a long-term contract. This policy has driven significant solar PV deployment since 2012, providing stable revenue for projects like Kirishima A.
Solar PV plants like Kirishima A produce no direct emissions during operation and have low water use. However, they require land area, which can affect local habitats. Japan's FIT program includes environmental guidelines to mitigate such impacts.