Japanese solar power project developer Pacifico Energy K.K. has announced construction start on what it calls Japan's largest solar power generation plant. The 257.7 MW Sakuto Mega Solar Power Plant is being constructed in Mimasaka City in Okayama Prefecture.
Spread in approximately 400 hectares, the project is scheduled to start operations in September 2019. It is expected to generate 290 million kWh per year once commissioned. All the power generated from the plant will be bought by Chugoku Electric Power Company (CEPCO).
This will be the third solar power project of Pacifico in Okayama. The first two- in Kumenan and Mimasaka – are already operational. Pacifico has three projects that are already commissioned in the Japan representing a cumulative capacity of 131 MW. One more project, a 96 MW system, is currently under construction in Miyazaki.
Work starts on 92 MW Kyocera plant
In a related news, Kyocera Corporation, K.K. Gaia Power, Kyudenko Corporation and Tokyo Century Corporation also began work on a 92 MW solar power project in Japan.
Developed by their joint venture Kanoya Osaki Solar Hills LLC, a ground breaking ceremony was held on the project in Kanoya City and Osaki Town. Once complete, Kanoya Osaki Solar Hills Solar Power Plant is stated by the company to be one of the largest solar installations in the Kyushu region.
It will use 340,740 modules from Kyocera, and will need a rather high investment of 35 billion JPY ($315 million). The expected date of operation of the plant is January 2020. Once online, it is expected to generate an approximate 99,230 MWh annually.
K.K. Gaia Power is the majority shareholder in the joint venture with 72.7% shares. The remaining participants own 9.1% each.
Recently, Japan announced that it is planning to pull back incentives granted for almost 27.7 GW of clean energy projects for not meeting deadlines (see No FIT For Approved Japanese Projects?)