Total begins construction of second solar power plant in Japan

Multinational energy firm Total, through its 100% owned subsidiary Total Solar, has started the construction of its second solar power plant in Japan. The photovoltaic power plant, with peak capacity of 25 megawatts (MW), is located in Miyako in Iwate province.

It is expected to start up in 2018 and will provide clean and reliable electricity to over 8,000 households.

“The solar market offers significant growth potential. Following the start-up of the Nanao solar plant in March this year, the Miyako Solar Park will further contribute to the diversification of Japan’s energy mix,”  said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice-President Renewables at Total.

The plant is designed to fully meet Japan’s stringent earthquake-resistant building standards. The facility will be equipped with over 76,000 high-efficiency SunPower solar panels, providing maximum performance. The plant will be connected to the electricity distribution grid to supply energy through the regional utility company.

Total is a majority shareholder of SunPower since 2011.