Economy & Tech

Fukushima City Says 'No More' to Mega Solar

Landslides, damaged landscapes, and disaster risk were among concerns that prompted the city to issue a declaration opposing construction of mega solar plants.

Published

7 months ago

September 25, 2023

The Sankei Shimbun

Cleared slopes of Mt Sendatsu on the outskirts of Fukushima City are an eyesore caused by the construction of mega solar power plants. (©Sankei by Nobuo Serizawa)

Read the full story on Japan 2 Earth - Fukushima City Says 'No More' to Mega Solar

On September 12, the Fukushima City released a "No More Mega Solar" Declaration. The announcement came in response to the ongoing construction of mega solar power plants that damage the cityscape and increase the risk of disasters.

According to Mayor Hiroshi Kohata, the city's aim was to clarify its stance on no further construction of mega solar power plants in mountainous areas. The city will "encourage developers to give up in the early stage."

Damages from Mega Solar

According to city data, Fukushima is host to 26 mega solar power facilities as of August 2023. Mega solar is defined as plants with an output over 1 megawatt (1,000 kilowatts), and this figure includes those yet to be completed.

The majority of these power plants are located on slopes in mountainous areas. Damages from construction include soil losing its water retention capacity due to deforestation. In the past, there have been cases of slopes collapsing during heavy rain and soil runoff.

Continue reading the full story on Japan 2 Earth to learn more about the "No More Mega Solar" Declaration.

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