Report on the Opening Ceremony of SAVE THE FARMS by YANMAR SHIGA RITTO, Constructed by Smart Blue

Smart Blue Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Representative Director: Taichiro Shiobara, hereinafter referred to as "our company") is pleased to report that SAVE THE FARMS by YANMAR SHIGA RITTO, developed by Yanmar Save The Farms Shiga LLC (Head Office: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Representative Member: Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., hereinafter referred to as "Yanmar Save The Farms Shiga"), has been completed, and its opening ceremony was held on May 1st.

Scenes from the opening ceremony

In addition to our company, the opening ceremony was attended by many guests, including representatives from Yanmar Holdings group companies, the Mayor of Ritto City, and local farmers, marking a significant first step towards the full launch of the project.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Greetings from local stakeholders

Project Overview

This project is part of Yanmar Holdings' "SAVE THE FARMS by YANMAR" initiative, which involves installing agricultural solar power generation facilities on a portion of approximately 4,200 square meters of paddy fields in Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture.

The project aims to pursue a sustainable form of agriculture by combining two technologies: "regenerative agriculture" and "agricultural solar power generation," in response to the serious challenges of increasing abandoned farmland due to the aging of farmers and a shortage of successors.

This farm is designated as the first step of the project. Yanmar Save The Farms Shiga will operate as the power producer, transmitting the generated green electricity to its group companies and contributing to the decarbonization domino effect. Furthermore, we aim to promote local production and consumption of energy through future regional power supply during emergencies, thereby strengthening regional resilience.

Facility Overview and Features

Our company has been involved in the business since 2013, when the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries issued its notification on agricultural solar power generation, and possesses extensive experience and knowledge, having structured over 100 projects to date.

We were involved in the design of the facilities for this project and provided construction using our unique "single-leg support" system, designed with the priority of efficient farming activities beneath the panels.

Solving the problem of reduced labor productivity in agricultural solar power generation with "single-leg support"

Rice planting using a rice transplanter under the facility

Our "single-leg support" system can mitigate the reduction in labor productivity caused by support pillars, which has been a problem with conventional agricultural solar power generation. Additionally, by installing the facilities in only a portion of the field, the majority of the field can maintain its previous farming practices.

Furthermore, the structure features fewer components and high independence, successfully mitigating the risk of chain collapses seen in conventional "tents-style" structures where box-shaped components are connected.

As a Benchmark Farm for "Farming First," Prioritizing Agricultural Operations

In the future development of agricultural solar power generation in paddy fields, the realization of efficient farming, maintenance of yields, and assurance of quality will be crucial indicators.

In recent times, when the need for domestic energy is being emphasized more than ever, agricultural solar power generation is expected to play a significant role in effectively utilizing our limited land. While there are many cases where farming is neglected, we will promote appropriate agricultural solar power generation as a "farming first" benchmark farm that coexists with the local community, prioritizing agricultural operations.

Area

Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture

Area

Approx. 4,200 m2

Power Output

66 kW

Crop

Rice

Power Producer

Yanmar Save The Farms Shiga LLC

Customer

Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.

EPC Contractor

Smart Blue Co., Ltd.

Farmer

Yanmar Symbiosis Co., Ltd.

Company Profile

Smart Blue Co., Ltd.

Head Office Location: 2-17-23 Chiyo, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Established: March 2010

Representative: Taichiro Shiobara

Corporate Website: https://smartblue.co.jp/

Solar Sharing Website: https://smartblue.jp/

Commercial Solar Power Generation Website: https://enemanex.jp/

In addition to renewable energy businesses such as commercial solar power generation, solar sharing, and ground-mounted solar power generation, the company contributes to the sustainability of individuals, corporations, and regions through its agribusiness, which involves cultivating and selling agricultural products in conjunction with solar power generation at its own farms.

As a pioneer in solar sharing, the company has been operating since the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' notification in 2013, and has been involved in the establishment of over 100 projects. It operates three of its own farms and is advancing innovative initiatives, including IoT-based automatic control and efficiency improvement of farming, hydroponics, and new projects aimed at improving the productivity of paddy fields.