Cases of environmental destruction arising from the construction of solar power generation facilities, and of disputes with residents living near these sites, have been increasingly popping up.
It defeats the purpose of renewable energy facilities that place a lighter burden on the global environment if they end up having a negative impact on their nearby environment. Measures to address this problem should be implemented.
In Yamanashi Prefecture, the installation of rows of solar panels on a hillside behind a temple has sparked friction over its impact on the landscape. Residents of Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, are demanding construction of a massive solar power plant be canceled due to concerns the facility will spoil the landscape and cause sediment runoff. Similar issues have arisen elsewhere.
A growing number of local governments are taking steps such as enacting ordinances spelling out regulations covering the establishment of solar power generation facilities and drawing up guidelines calling for such plants to show consideration for the nearby environment. However, these steps are not enough to properly tackle the problems at hand.
The Environment Ministry plans to add solar power plants to the projects subject to an environmental impact assessment. During the planning stage, plant operators themselves will need to examine what effect the facility will have on the environment and seek the opinions of the central government and residents. In some circumstances, building plans could be put on hold.
Some solar power plants have been developed on sites that reach tens of hectares. Planned facilities that exceed a certain size need to undergo an environmental impact assessment.
In 2017, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry also compiled guidelines for operators when they formulate business plans. These guidelines called on operators to give consideration to the nearby environment and building relationships with the local area.
Prepare for panel mass waste
The government has positioned renewable energy as a major source of power in the future. It established a system through which power utilities purchase, from operators at set prices, electricity generated by renewable sources. Consequently, a flurry of operators has joined the solar power generation business.
Given that it has encouraged the spread of this business, the government also should responsibly support local governments dealing with problems.
A growing number of power generation facilities have been damaged by heavy rain and strong wind. In July, torrential rain that lashed western Japan damaged a solar power plant on a slope near Shinkansen tracks in Kobe. Powerful winds caused by Typhoon No. 21, which struck Japan in September, also blew away many solar panels.
Abnormal weather events that exceed the design strength of such equipment are happening frequently. Many small and midsize facilities appear to fall short of required strength standards. The industry ministry is considering revamping the system to make it possible to conduct site inspections to confirm the safety of such facilities.
How to efficiently check these facilities -- which could total as many as 500,000 -- will be a pressing task.
Huge numbers of solar panels are expected to be discarded as they reach the end of their lifespan from 2030 onward. Countermeasures for this must get under way without delay.
The spinning blades of wind turbines also have been causing noise pollution. There has even been a case of strong wind toppling a turbine.
Renewable energy sources that do not emit carbon dioxide are essential for combating global warming. They should be used more widely, after confirming they are safe to use and have the understanding of nearby residents and communities.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 15, 2018)
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