Introduction

This time, I would like to consider cable theft at solar power plants.
Cable theft at solar power plants has increased dramatically in recent years, posing a major operational risk for operators and investors.
In one recent case I was involved in, the company that owned a solar power plant wanted to sell the plant due to fears that the cables would be stolen, and was looking for a buyer.

In actual cases of theft, news articles like this one have been posted on YouTube.

The reasons behind this include rising copper prices and the concentration of facilities in certain areas, such as northern Kanto and Tohoku, and statistical data from across the country shows the seriousness of the problem.
On the other hand, there have been many reports of crime prevention measures that have actually been proven effective, such as GPS tracking and the introduction of specially coated aluminum cables.
Below, I would like to present some statistical data to help understand the current situation in numerical terms, as well as touch on some specific examples of countermeasures being taken.

Understanding the current situation through statistical data on cable theft

Number of damages related to solar power plants

According to materials from the National Police Agency's " Study Group on Countermeasures Against Metal Theft ," the damage caused by metal cable theft at solar power generation facilities is as follows:

In 2023, the number of reported cases was 5,361, the number of arrests was 316, and the arrest rate was 5.9%.
Number of people arrested: 61
As of the end of June 2024, the number of reported cases was 4,161, the number of arrested cases was 255, and the arrest rate was 6.1%.
Number of people arrested: 60

(Source: National Police Agency "Metal Theft Prevention Study Group" 1st meeting materials)

Regional trends

It is clear that the damage is concentrated in the Kanto region in particular.
According to a news report from the Yomiuri Shimbun , the regional breakdown is as follows:

Ibaraki Prefecture
In 2023 alone, there were approximately 2,889 cases, and significant damage was confirmed again in the first half of 2024, with particular attention being paid to the concentration of scrap metal handling companies and the involvement of organized crime.
Tochigi Prefecture
1,132 items
Gunma Prefecture
1,108 items

There are also reports that approximately 90% of the damage is concentrated in the seven prefectures of the Kanto region.

Background and causes of the theft

There are several possible reasons behind the occurrence of crime, but the main ones are as follows:

Economic Background
It is clear that rising copper prices are a major motivator for the thefts.
According to a news report from the Yomiuri Shimbun , the price of copper is expected to reach approximately 1.34 million yen per ton as of March 2024, nearly double what it was five years ago.

Involvement of organized crime
Cases have been reported in which specific foreign organized crime groups are involved, and the above document from the National Police Agency also suggests that Cambodians are heavily involved.

Location and structural factors of power generation facilities
In the northern Kanto region, where a large number of solar power plants are concentrated in the plains, the facilities are close to each other, making there a high risk that multiple facilities in one location would be targeted simultaneously.

The latest crime prevention technology and its effectiveness

In recent years, advances in technology have led to the implementation of numerous crime prevention measures.
Below are examples of major countermeasures, their effects, and implementation costs.

GPS Tracking Device

It seems that there are even devices now available that can provide location information within five minutes of a theft.

Replacement with aluminum cables

As mentioned above, the price of copper is rising, but efforts to use aluminum cables, which are cheaper, are also thought to be effective.
For example, see Furukawa Electric's initiatives here .

Specially coated cables and fluorescent cables

As for specially coated cables, cables coated with fluorescent paint for identification also seem to be effective.

Future outlook

Currently, cable theft from solar power plants is on the rise, with the increase in the number of incidents and the amount of damage being a serious problem, especially in the Kanto region.

As explained above, what will be needed is the full use of technology, collaboration between local governments and the public and private sectors, and the establishment of laws, such as regulating distributors.