New Flexible Solar Panels to Power Shinkansen Stations

AICHI, Feb 12 (News On Japan) - JR Central has unveiled ultra-thin solar panels that can be installed on noise barriers along the Tokaido Shinkansen, aiming for deployment by 2050. Measuring just about one millimeter thick, the perovskite solar panels are lightweight and flexible, allowing them to be fitted onto the curved surfaces of noise barriers.

The newly developed solar panels were showcased on February 12 at JR Central's research facility in Komaki, Aichi Prefecture.

The company focused on this application due to the Tokaido Shinkansen's east-west alignment, which results in many noise barriers facing south, maximizing their exposure to sunlight.

A representative from JR Central’s General Technology Division commented: "These solar panels can be installed in areas where conventional panels were not feasible, enabling broader adoption of renewable energy."

The electricity generated will be used to power station lighting, air conditioning, and other facilities, with full-scale implementation targeted by 2050.

Source: 東海テレビ NEWS ONE

Dementia Becomes Leading Cause of Death in Japan

In a striking finding from one of the world's longest-living nations, dementia has overtaken all other causes of death in Japan.

Cherry blossoms arrive on schedule in Tokyo

Weather officials say cherry blossoms have started blooming in Tokyo. The event occurred on the same date as the seasonal average and five days earlier than last year. (NHK)

Yellow sand from China's deserts may reach Japan from Tuesday

Yellow sand from China's deserts is expected to hit wide areas of Japan on Tuesday and Wednesday. (NHK)

Osaka Expo Previews Futuristic Pavilions

With just three weeks remaining until the start of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, several pavilions held preview events on Sunday.

Newly Released Footage Shows Kamikaze Pilots Parachuting Under Fire

A civic group in Usa City, Oita Prefecture, that collects and analyzes materials from the Pacific War has released twelve pieces of footage showing U.S. air raids and kamikaze attacks.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Japan Advances iPS Cell Technology with New Osaka Facility

A new facility for the research and production of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been completed in Osaka's Nakanoshima district and was unveiled to the press on March 19th.

First Commercial Reactor Dismantling Begins at Hamaoka

Chubu Electric Power has begun dismantling the reactor at Unit 2 of the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Omaezaki, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Monday. This marks the first time a commercial nuclear reactor is being dismantled in Japan.

Onishi Arrives at Space Station for Six-Month Mission

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying astronaut Takuya Onishi, 49, of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and three others arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on March 16th at around 12:00 a.m. (Japan time: March 16th at around 1:00 p.m.), completing a journey of approximately 29 hours since launch.

Pollen Peaks in Fukuoka, New Treatment Offers Hope

Sugi pollen levels have reached their peak in Fukuoka, with daily economic losses from hay fever estimated to exceed 230 billion yen. Clinics are overwhelmed with patients, including young children experiencing severe symptoms.

Launch of SpaceX's Crew Dragon Carrying Astronaut Takuya Onishi Delayed

The launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has been postponed due to a technical issue with ground equipment.

Shimadzu Unveils World's First Optical Lattice Clock

Shimadzu Corporation has launched the world's first optical lattice clock, which measures time using the oscillation frequency of atoms trapped by lasers. The clock boasts an unparalleled accuracy, with an error of just one second over 10 billion years.

Startup Moves Closer to Fusion Energy With New Reactor Test in Japan

A key experiment aimed at realizing the long-sought dream of fusion energy is set to begin at the National Institute for Fusion Science in Toki, Gifu Prefecture.

JR East to launch new bullet trains, cargo-only cars

East Japan Railway, or JR East, says it will launch new bullet trains with improved anti-earthquake features and other services in fiscal 2030. (NHK)

< 2 3 4 5 >