Name of the Project
Sakuto solar photovoltaic (PV) project.

Location
Mimasaka-shi, Japan.

Client
Pacifico Energy KK.

Project Description
Sakuto is the largest solar PV scheme under construction in Japan to date.

Japan established a favourable feed-in tariff for solar PV power in 2012 to promote the development and exploitation of renewable-energy resources within the country.

The 257.7 MW Sakuto plant fits into this vision and will sell electricity for 20 years to the Chugoku Electric Power Company, while the scheme will also help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about four-million tonnes over the same period. The project includes the shifting of eight-million cubic metres of soil within the site for filling and flattening the land, as well as the construction of a new 77 kV, 17 km underground transmission line, which will traverse residential areas and river crossings.

Jobs to Be Created
Not stated.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Sakuto is expected to enter commercial operation in the third quarter of 2019.

Latest Developments
Mott MacDonald has been appointed the owner’s engineer on the project. The company acted as owner’s engineer during Sakuto’s development phase and was responsible for providing solar resource and plant performance assessments, drafting plant test procedures, supporting engineering, procurement and construction contract negotiations and reviewing designs.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Mott MacDonald (owner’s engineer).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Pacific Energy, email info@pacificoenergy.jp.