Here, before us, lies the Yamakura Dam. Did you know it is home to Japan’s largest floating solar power plant? This innovative project combines water management with renewable energy. The Yamakura Dam is not just a water source. It is a source of clean energy too.
The Yamakura Dam reservoir provides industrial water. It serves companies in the Keiyo Rinkai Industrial Zone. This zone lies on Tokyo Bay’s northeastern coast. The Yoro River feeds the dam. It is the first industrial water service reservoir in Chiba Prefecture. The Chiba Prefectural Waterworks Bureau manages it.
In March 2016, the floating solar plant began operating. Kyocera TCL Solar built it. This joint venture includes Kyocera Corporation and Tokyo Century Corporation. The plant generates an estimated 16170 megawatt hours per year. That is enough electricity for about 4970 typical households. It also offsets about 8170 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
The Yamakura Dam’s solar plant uses Hydrelio technology. Ciel et Terre, a French company, developed it. These floating platforms support solar panels on water. The plant covers 18 hectares of the Yamakura Dam reservoir surface. It also covers 1.5 hectares on land. There are 50904 solar panels. The estimated maximum output is 13.7 megawatts.
Floating solar plants have advantages. They operate at lower temperatures. This makes them more efficient. They also reduce water evaporation. These panels can use existing transmission infrastructure, where the water is from a hydroelectric dam.
The construction cost is similar to land-mounted solar plants. Civil engineering work is unnecessary. It is easier to set up floating mounts with solar modules.
The Yamakura floating solar power plant sells its energy to electricity companies. All electricity goes to Tokyo Electric Power. It generates an estimated ¥450 million a year.
The Yamakura Dam has a total capacity of 360000 cubic meters. Its catchment area is 0.6 square kilometers. The dam impounds about 90 hectares of land when full. Construction started in 1997 and finished in 2004.
The Yamakura Dam shows Japan’s commitment to renewable energy. It demonstrates how to maximize limited land space. It reduces environmental impact. As you stand here, consider the Yamakura Dam’s dual purpose. It provides essential water and powers thousands of homes. This is a model for a sustainable future.