Solar/Wind Electricity Generation Project in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture
- Commencement of Construction -
November 7, 2012
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
C-Tech Corporation
Toagosei Co., Ltd.
Toshiba Corporation
Toray Industries, Inc.
Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., C-Tech Corporation, Toagosei Co., Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Toray Industries, Inc., and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., announced today that a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture on the planned site for the nation's largest solar and wind power generation facilities, and that construction will commence shortly.
In October 2011, the seven participating companies agreed to conduct feasibility and commercialization studies for the project. Based on the successful conclusion of these studies, the companies entered into an official agreement in September 2012.
1. Outline of Operations
| Name | Tahara Solar/Wind Electricity Generation Cooperative Operation |
| Management | Management outsourced to Trans Value Trust Company, Limited |
| Participants & investment ratio | Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. 35%, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. 15%, C-Tech Corporation 10%, Toagosei Co., Ltd. 10%, Toshiba Corporation 10%, Toray Industries, Inc. 10%, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.10% |
| Generation capacity | Solar Power 50MW module output (conditioner module output 35MW), Wind Power 6MW |
| Location | Midorigahama, Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture approximately 800,000 sq meters (property owned by Mitsui Chemicals) |
| Total investment | Approximately 18 billion yen |
| Construction | construction commencement November 2012 commercial operation October 2014 (tentative) |
| Business span | 20 years from commercial operation startup |
2. Importance and Objective
The project is significant in bringing together seven companies with technology and knowledge of solar and wind electric power generation products and business operations to construct Japan's largest facility for solar (mega solar) and wind electricity generation. In line with the government's promotion of renewable energy, numerous “mega solar” and wind electric generation projects are expected. Reinforcement of infrastructures for generation and connective systems, in addition to development of technology and cost cuts will be necessary. Participating companies will share knowhow and issues during the long term management of the operation. This accumulated problem resolution knowhow will contribute to future efforts in renewable energy.
Moreover, participating companies will maintain a cooperative technological relationship with the Chubu Electric Power Co., and will acquire new technology and knowledge unique to the nation's largest solar energy generation facility.
3. Location and Collaboration
The construction site is a choice location due to its top level daylight hours and wind velocity which are expected to yield high generation.
Additionally, the project coincides with new energy plans of the municipal and prefecture governments and has received the full support of these bodies. From Aichi prefecture, the project has received financial support based on the prefectural government’s subsidies for research and development to create a new “Aichi” and from Tahara City under a program to provide incentives to new local business ventures.
Member companies will continue to pursue development of new energy while collaborating with municipal and prefectural bodies and fulfilling responsibilities to the community.
The project expects to be financed by syndicated loans, mainly from the Development Bank of Japan.
4. Electricity Generation and Contribution to the Environment
Total solar and wind electricity generation: Approximately 67,500MWh/year
(equivalent to annual consumption of approximately 19,000 households, which corresponds to approximately 90% of Tahara City's households)
Reduction of carbon dioxide emission: Approximately 32,000 tons CO2/year
(equivalent to carbon dioxide absorption of 2.3 million cedar trees)
Location
Architectural Rendering
Attachment
Solar/Wind Electricity Generation Project in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture (PDF:178KB)
