Itochu has commenced commercial operation of the Oita Hiyoshibaru Mega-Solar Power Plant, a joint project with Kyudenko Corporation and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
As a utility scalesolar power plant, the Oita Hiyoshibaru Mega-Solar Power Plant was built on about 460,000 square meters of land on the premises of Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Oita Works.
The facility will engage in power generation with output of 44,800 kilowatts. The expected annual electric-generating capacity of 52,500,110 kilowatt-hours is equivalent to the annual power consumption of approximately 9,300 regular homes.
The generated power shall be sold to Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. for a period of twenty years.
In this project, Itochu has taken the lead in an integrated approach that encompasses everything from development tooperation, creating the first utilityscale solar power plant of this kind to commence full operation.
Among the project partners, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding engaged in construction while Kyudenko carried out the works and will conduct operation and maintenance for twenty years. Thus, a robust system was successfully constructed to support its long-term operation.
In addition, Itochu is expanding its solar business ahead with construction of utility-scale solar power plants in Okayama and Saga Prefectures as well. The plant in Okayama is scheduled to be completed in December 2016 and will have an approximate output of 37,000 kilowatts, while the Saga facility will be completed in April 2018 with an approximate output of 21,000 kilowatts.
Itochu will contribute to the establishment of a recycling-oriented society while taking into account environmental conservation issues such as the prevention of global warning.