Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan has launched a 2 MW agrivoltaics project in Japan, utilizing a movable mounting system to optimize sunlight for rice growth and power generation. This community-based model returns profits to farmers and aims to utilize 5% of the country's farmland for solar facilities. Agrivoltaics have the potential to increase renewable energy capacity in Japan, with research showing benefits for productivity in rice plantations. Recommendations include using double-axis tracking technology and vertical bifacial PV installations with safety measures and land-sharing approaches.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/19/idemitsu-switches-on-2-mw-of-solar-above-rice-paddy/