Showa Shell may use old refinery site to produce solar energy

Japan’s Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. is considering constructing a solar power plant at a refinery which the firm plans to shut down. Showa Shell decided in February 2010 to close the 227,000-square-meter Ogimachi refinery run by its affiliate Toa Oil Co. at its Keihin Refinery in Kawasaki. A comprehensive renewable energy purchase scheme, whereby electric utility firms will buy excess solar energy generated by households, is planned to be introduced as early as fiscal 2012. It is expected to stimulate interest from businesses in building solar power plants in vacant lots.  (January 11, 2011)