Mitsui to build new solar systems in northeast Japan

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Less than four months after being struck by a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, the Tōhoku region of Japan is in line to receive ¥10 billion (US$123.7 million) in solar investment, reports Nikkei. The funds will be used to build at least 10 solar systems, which are all likely to have capacities ranging from 1-2MW and help to meet the electricity shortfall that has hit the region in the aftermath of March’s disaster.

The development is the vision of Industrial conglomerate Mitsui, which is receiving financial help from Tokio Marine Asset Management. All the electricity generated by the plants will be sold to utilities, with profits to be distributed among the fund's investors; Tokio Marine expects the fund to generate annual returns of around 3-4 %, and ¥100 billion over five years.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Since the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown, interest in PV among Japanese companies has soared, although Mitsui are one of the first companies to put a concrete development plan in place.

In line with this, Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan has already promised to cater for 20% of the country’s energy requirements through renewable sources. Kan also claims that the costs of solar will fall by one-third by 2020 and a further one-sixth by 2030.

Read Next

September 10, 2025
At RE+ 2025, companies launched AI-driven platforms, terrain-following trackers, low-carbon modules, and advanced energy management solutions for solar and storage.
Premium
September 10, 2025
PV Talk: Italy’s new CfD policy offers clear support for solar developers in an otherwise uncertain legislative landscape, says Terrawatt's Patrizio Donati.
September 10, 2025
A project claimed to be Germany’s largest agriPV plant has been commissioned in the north-east of the country.
September 10, 2025
Renewables developer rPlus Energies has secured US$100 million in tax equity financing for its 125MW solar PV plant in the US state of Idaho.
September 10, 2025
Indian solar module manufacturer Vikram Solar reported a 79.7% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of FY26.
September 10, 2025
Cordelio Power has started commercial operations at its 150MW Winfield solar project in Lincoln County, Missouri.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines