April 16, 2025
GPSS Holdings, Inc.

～Toward a New Model for Sustainable Grazing Practices～

Hokkaido, Japan — Rakuno Gakuen University, Mirai Chiiki Corporation, and GPSS Holdings Inc. have signed an agreement to begin joint research into the synergistic integration of dairy grazing and solar power generation—commonly referred to as “solar sharing.” The study aims to evaluate the impact of photovoltaic (PV) installations on grazing conditions, cow behavior, feed intake, and overall animal welfare.

The collaborative research will be conducted on pastureland at Matsuda Farm in Shikabe, Hokkaido, where Mirai Chiiki and GPSS are constructing an 8-hectare solar power plant, scheduled to become operational in September 2025. The project will involve grazing approximately 30–40 dairy cows under the solar panels, providing an opportunity to observe the effects of shade and altered microclimates on livestock health and pasture quality.

While the solar panels are anticipated to offer protective benefits—such as shelter from intense summer heat—the research team will monitor for any unintended impacts on the cows or pasture. If adverse effects are identified, responsive measures will be implemented and their outcomes tracked.

Through this initiative, the three organizations aim to enhance the sustainability of dairy farming, promote animal welfare, and generate new value from underutilized agricultural land by combining renewable energy production with traditional grazing methods.

Solar power plant on grazing farm

Principal Investigators

• Professor Hiroki Nakatsuji
  Department of Sustainable Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Sciences
  Rakuno Gakuen University

• Yuichi Sato
  Representative Director
  Mirai Chiiki Corporation

• Yasuhiro Komine
  Project Promotion Group
  GPSS Holdings, Inc.

About the Participating Organizations

Rakuno Gakuen University

Established in 1960, the university offers specialized education and research spanning dairy farming, agriculture, food science, veterinary medicine, and environmental studies.

Bussiness Deccription:
Education and research activities
[The fields of study extend from dairy farming to agriculture, food, veterinary medicine, and natural environment. The insutitution is composed of two faculties – the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the School of Veterinary Medicine- and five (soon to be six) departments:
・Department of Sustainable Agriculture
・Department of Food Science and Human Wellness
・Department of Environmental Sciences
・Department of Agricultural and Environmental Information Sciences ( to be established in April 2026)
・Department of Veterinary Medicine
・Department of Veterinary Science

Location: 582 Bunkyodai Midori-machi, Ebetsu City, Hokkaido

Website: https://www.rakuno.ac.jp/

Role in Research: Research design, data collection, and analysis

Mirai Chiiki Corporation

Founded in 2017, this agricultural company focuses on regional revitalization through sustainable farming practices.

Location: 57-3 Nagayama Kitsumori, Shizukuishi-machi, Iwate-gun, Iwate

Website: https://miraichiiki.jp/

Role in Research: Policy development, research planning, and coordination

GPSS Holdings, Inc.

A leading company in renewable energy solutions, GPSS promotes energy independence and regional development through solar, wind, and other sustainable power systems.

Location: 6F Shibakoen ND Building, 2-5-10 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://gpssgroup.jp/

Role in Research: Technical and strategic input from a solar power operations perspective

Media Inquiries

Rakuno Gakuen University

Professor Hiroki Nakatsuji

Department of Sustainable Agriculture

College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Sciences

Tel: 011-388-4827

Email: nakahiro@rakuno.ac.jp

GPSS Holdings, Inc.

Public Relations Department

Email: pr@gpss.jp

For inquiries related to Mirai Chiiki Corporation, please also contact the above email address.