June 21, 2023
Smart Yorozuya
Regarding the start of a demonstration project for next-generation agricultural solar power generation, we will contribute to carbon neutrality in farmland through power generation that takes into account the growth of crops.
Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shunichi Kito; hereinafter "Idemitsu") began a demonstration project for next-generation agricultural solar power generation *1, which balances agriculture and renewable energy generation, in June 2023 in a paddy field in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture. For this demonstration project, we introduced a movable mounting system that automatically tracks sunlight (hereinafter "solar tracking mounting system") and a bifacial solar panel (hereinafter "bifacial module").
The solar tracking mount automatically adjusts the orientation of the bifacial modules according to the movement of the sun, prioritizing sunlight exposure to the crops grown under the panels during the growing season. This helps to maintain and improve the yield and quality of the crops. By realizing power generation that takes into consideration the growth of crops, we aim to build a business model that further pursues the compatibility of "farming" and "power generation" compared to conventional agricultural power generation.
The electricity generated will be sold to general customers through Idemitsu Green Power K.K. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masayuki Nakata), a wholly owned subsidiary of Idemitsu.
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1. Agricultural solar power generation:
A system that allows agriculture and power generation to coexist by erecting poles on farmland and installing solar power generation equipment in the space above.
Demonstration field before rice planting
(Early April 2023)
Demonstration field after rice planting (mid-June 2023)
Rice grows smoothly
Solar power generation equipment installed in the demonstration field
Demonstration field before rice planting
(Early April 2023)
Demonstration field after rice planting (mid-June 2023)
Rice grows smoothly
Solar power generation equipment installed in the demonstration field
Demonstration field before rice planting
(Early April 2023)
Demonstration field after rice planting (mid-June 2023)
Rice grows smoothly
Solar power generation equipment installed in the demonstration field
国の第6次エネルギー基本計画 （2021年10月）は、国内の電源構成における太陽光発電の比率を2019年度の6.7％から2030年度には14～16％（103.5～117.6GW）に引き上げる目標を掲げています。この目標を達成するためには太陽光発電設備の増設が必須ですが、大規模な設備を新設する適地はすでに不足しつつあります。そこで太陽光発電設備の新たな適地として期待されているのが、全国で約430万ha※2の面積を占める農地です。
一方、従来式の固定型架台を使用した発電設備では、パネルによる太陽光の遮蔽が多くの日照量を必要とする作物の生育に影響を及ぼすことから、稲作地等の農地には活用しにくいという課題があります。今回の実証では、太陽光追尾型架台および両面モジュールを用いることで、イネの生育期（4～8月）には太陽光を地表（イネ）に優先的に照射し、生育期以外は太陽光パネルに優先的に照射します。これにより、太陽光発電を行いながら稲作に適した環境条件の制御・最適化が可能となります。なお、発電設備下部で栽培されたイネについては、収穫したコメの収量や品質評価を行い、全農地面積の50％以上を占める稲作地※3を太陽光発電の適地として有効活用する可能性を確認します。なお、両面モジュールは裏面も受光可能であることから、農作期に農作物への照射を優先した際の逸失発電量は、通年で補います。
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2・3. 出典 農林水産省「農林基本データ集」耕地面積及び作付延べ面積（令和4年）
https://www.maff.go.jp/j/tokei/sihyo/data/10.html
Through this demonstration, we will confirm the performance and cost-effectiveness of power generation using the solar tracking mount and the feasibility of agricultural solar power generation, as well as gain knowledge from power plant construction to operation. We will also establish a method to control and optimize the environmental conditions for crops below the power generation equipment, and aim to expand the scale and develop the agricultural solar power generation business within the next few years. In addition, agricultural solar power generation has the advantage that local agricultural corporations or farmers can continue their existing farming operations and still expect to receive income (land rent/power sales income) from installing the power plant. Our company contributes to sustainable agricultural management through the commercialization of agricultural solar power generation.
[Demonstration overview]
- 1. Demonstration facility name
- “Idemitsu Kisarazu Agricultural Solar Power Plant” (Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture)
- 2. Power output
- 45kW
- 3. Demonstration period
- June 2023 - September 2025
The solar tracking mount used in this demonstration is a product of Clean Energy Japan Co., Ltd. (Head office: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President and CEO: Kuniyoshi Ihara, hereinafter referred to as Clean Energy Japan). Our company and Clean Energy Japan have jointly applied for a patent for utilizing solar tracking mounts for farming purposes.
当社は2050年カーボンニュートラル社会の実現に向け、2030年ビジョン「責任ある変革者」、2050年ビジョン「変革をカタチに」を掲げています。昨年11月に発表した中期経営計画（対象年度：2023～2025年度） では、下記「3つの事業領域」の社会実装を通して「人々の暮らしを支える責任」と「未来の地球環境を守る責任」を果たします。
3 Business Domains towards Evolution of the Business Portfolio
This demonstration project is positioned as an initiative for business development and provide for society of "Smart Yorozuya" in the business domain for business portfolio transformation. Going forward, we will continue to consider the development of new business models that support the prosperity of local communities by achieving both agriculture and low-carbon energy.
Regarding news release
contact information
Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd. Public Relations Department, Public Relations Division