Kobe Airport Powers Japan's Decarbonization with Fresh Initiatives

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A new initiative was launched at Kobe Airport (Chuo Ward, Kobe City), which has seen a surge in inbound foreign visitors since international charter flights resumed this spring.

In a demonstration experiment aimed at decarbonizing the airport, perovskite solar cells have been installed in the airport's restricted area to test their wind resistance and other performance characteristics.

The project, which commenced in June, is being undertaken by Kobe City in collaboration with a private company. This marks the first time in Japan that perovskite solar cells have been installed within an airport's restricted zone, raising expectations for Kobe Airport to play a leading role in the city's push to become an "environmentally friendly city."

"The demonstration experiment can contribute to the expansion of renewable energy," said Kobe Mayor Kizo Hisamoto at a regular press conference in June.

Covering a total area of 50 square meters, 50 film-type perovskite solar cells, each measuring one square meter, have been installed on a weed-control sheet laid over the greenbelt in the airport's restricted area. The experiment will run through March 2027 and will evaluate factors like wind resistance specific to the airport environment, construction methods, durability, and power generation efficiency.

Advancing Renewable Energy

Conventional solar cells are rigid and heavy, and their installation has been prohibited in restricted areas due to concerns they could interfere with airport operations.

In contrast, perovskite solar cells are lighter, thinner, and more flexible, according to the economy ministry as well as other sources. Their key advantage lies in the ability to be installed in a wider range of locations, including airport restricted areas, where conventional solar panels have been difficult to deploy.

The electricity generated will be used to power lighting equipment at the airport, and the experimental data will be shared with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

*Perovskite solar cell installation site (©Kobe City)*

This project serves as a valuable link between the national government's vision of transforming airports into a "renewable energy hub" and the city’s objective of "expanding the adoption of renewable energy."

Kobe City has set a goal of introducing 500 megawatts of renewable energy within the city by fiscal year 2030. However, the availability of suitable installation sites is decreasing each year.

To that end, the city has high hopes for the demonstration experiment at Kobe Airport. "There is a possibility that this experiment could expand to airports across Japan," Mayor Hisamoto emphasized.

Driving Decarbonization

Iodine, the main raw material for perovskite solar cells, is an area of strength for Japan. The country produces about 30% of the global supply, ranking second in the world after Chile. Japan's domestic production capacity supports a stable supply chain with minimal reliance on foreign sources, offering a clear advantage for economic security.

The demonstration experiment is a joint effort between Kobe City, Sekisui Chemical (Osaka), Sekisui Solar Film (Osaka), and Kansai Airport Kobe (Kobe City).

Kosuke Kinoshita of Sekisui Chemical’s Corporate Communications Department, the supplier of the perovskite solar cells, stressed the project's importance. "Although there are various restrictions on installations in restricted areas, if we can install the cells outdoors without affecting airport operations, we believe it will make a significant contribution to achieving a decarbonized society."

Green Fuel Initiative

At Kobe Airport, further initiatives toward decarbonization are underway. One demonstration project, conducted in partnership with JGC Holdings (Yokohama City) and other private companies, collects waste cooking oil from households to convert it into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Collection boxes have been set up on the first floor of the Kobe Airport Terminal Building, allowing residents to deposit waste vegetable oil from home cooking in PET bottles directly into the boxes.

*Waste cooking oil collection box located on the first floor of Kobe Airport.*

Boxes have been installed at four locations across the city, including Kobe Airport. From October of last year, when the experiment began, through May of this year, a total of 1,250 liters of oil was collected. Even expired oil is accepted. "Many people visit Kobe Airport by car and bring used cooking oil from home. So far, there have been no issues such as oil leakage at the collection sites," said a city official.

Kobe Airport is participating in several experiments to support a decarbonized society. Michito Ao, director of the Decarbonization Promotion Division at Kobe City's Environment Bureau, remarked, "The airport is a place frequented by many people, including local residents. We aim to expand similar initiatives moving forward."

Author: Hirotoyo Kozai, The Sankei Shimbun

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