Offshore solar power tested out on Tokyo Bay with pilot projects

Sumitomo Mitsui Construction eyes future megasolar plant at sea as land runs short

20240603N offshore solar panel

Sumitomo Mitsui Construction's floating solar power system in Tokyo Bay can stay in position even in choppy waters. (Photo by Koki Izumi) 

KOKI IZUMI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Tokyo Bay is becoming a test bed for offshore solar power in Japan, as growing demand for renewables and a shortage of land spur companies to take on the challenges of energy generation at sea.

Sumitomo Mitsui Construction (SMC) in April completed installation of Japan's first offshore solar farm built for commercial use. The facility was connected to an underwater cable in May and has begun transmitting power onshore.

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