Shizen Energy Inc. has signed a $6.67 million (JPY 1 billion) project finance agreement with Daishi Hokuetsu Bank, Ltd. to develop four solar power plants in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures. The total installed capacity of these plants will be 6.7 megawatts.
According to Shizen Energy, the electricity generated from these plants will be supplied to five Bourbon Corporation factories in Niigata Prefecture. This will be done through an off-site corporate power purchase agreement signed in 2024. Three of the four solar power plants have already started operations and are supplying electricity, while the remaining plant in Niigata is expected to begin operations in 2025.
The solar power plants have been designed to integrate with Japan’s existing power infrastructure. They are equipped with high-efficiency photovoltaic panels to maximize electricity generation. Advanced energy management systems are used to monitor performance and optimize power output. The plants are also designed to operate in various weather conditions, ensuring stable energy supply throughout the year.
Japan has been developing several renewable energy projects as part of its energy transition efforts. The Ishikari Offshore Wind Farm in Hokkaido, with a planned capacity of 112 megawatts, is under construction. The Tokyo Bay Floating Solar Project is being developed to generate 13 megawatts of solar power on water surfaces, reducing land use while contributing to the electricity supply. The Fukuoka Biomass Power Plant, with a capacity of 75 megawatts, is using wood pellets and agricultural waste to generate electricity. The Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field is focusing on hydrogen production from solar power, with an annual production target of 900 tons.
In addition to large-scale projects, regional initiatives are also underway. In Aichi Prefecture, the Toyohashi Solar Sharing Project integrates solar panels with agricultural land use to maximize land efficiency. In Akita Prefecture, studies are being conducted on potential wind energy development along the coastline.
