[Japan] Press conference regarding response to US tariff measures

As of April 22, 2025, Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru announced fixed price cuts on gasoline starting in May 2025. Prices will be lowered by 10 yen, or about 7 cents per liter starting in May. [1] The decision follows a proposal made by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party on how to respond to the US tariff measures. In response, the government intends to take immediate action by restructuring the current fuel oil price drastic change mitigation measures and implementing the fixed price reduction measures to address the “old provisional tax rate.” Prime Minister Ishiba stated that diesel oil will be cut by 10 yen per liter, heavy oil and kerosene by 5 yen, and aviation fuel by 4 yen. These measures will be implemented from May 22nd onwards. Additionally, he announced that steps will be taken to support consumers’ electricity and gas bill for 3 months of summer in July, August, and September, when electricity demand usually rises. 

 [1] https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/103/statement/2025/0422kaiken.html

[Japan] JERA supplies electricity to BPO sites through solar power PPA

As of April 16, 2025, JERA Co., Inc. began supplying electricity from offsite solar power facilities to PI’s Iwate BPO Fortress last year in June, as part of an effort to move toward zero-CO2 emissions power consumption at all business process outsourcing (BPO) sites run by Prestige International (PI). [1] JERA now announces that it has newly begun supplying it to facilities at six BPO sites in Japan, through an off-site corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) using solar power. Of six sites, one is in the Hokuriku area and the remaining five are in the Tohoku area. As a result, approximately 30% of the electricity used in Tohoku will be sourced from renewable energy derived from the solar power plants. The remaining electricity will be sourced from solar plants in the Chubu area or procured from the market. Eventually, JERA will gradually introduce 24/7 carbon-free electricity at all of PI’s BPO sites, through its subsidiary JERA Cross.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20250416_2156

[Japan] CF Industries Announces joint venture with JERA Co., Inc., and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

As of April 8, 2025, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF), the world’s largest producer of ammonia, announced today that it has formed a joint venture with JERA Co., Ltd. (JERA), Japan’s largest energy company, and Mitsui & Co., Inc (Mitsui), a global investment and trading company, for the construction, production, and offtake of low-carbon ammonia. [1] Upon formation, CF Industries will hold 40% ownership, JERA 35% ownership, and Mitsui 25% ownership in the joint venture. The venture will construct at CF Industries’ autothermal reforming (ATR) ammonia production facility in Louisiana, with a carbon dioxide (CO2) dehydration and compression unit at the site to prepare captured CO2 for transportation and sequestration. The facility will have an annual nameplate capacity of approximately 1.4 million metric tons, which is the largest by nameplate capacity in the world. Production of low-carbon ammonia is expected to begin in 2029. The companies estimate that the cost of the low-carbon ATR ammonia production facility with CCS technologies will be around $4 billion.

[1] https://www.cfindustries.com/newsroom/2025/blue-point-joint-venture

[Japan] Japan’s largest onshore wind farm begins commercial operations in Abukuma Area, Fukushima Prefecture

As of April 2, 2025, Sumitomo Corporation and several other companies have been advancing the construction of the Abukuma Wind Power Plants wind farm since April 2022, through Fukushima Fukko Furyoku. [1] Construction was completed on March 31, 2025, with commercial operations starting on April 2, 2025. The renewable energy generated at the wind farm will be supplied to multiple companies and municipalities with business operations in Fukushima Prefecture through Corporate Power Purchase Agreements. A portion of the revenue from energy sales is expected to be utilized for funding reconstruction projects in local municipalities where the wind farm is located through the Fukushima Prefecture Renewable Energy Reconstruction Promotion Council. The Abukuma Wind Power Project is part of Fukushima Prefecture’s initiative to generate more than 100% of its energy demand from renewable energy sources by 2040. The wind farm is Japan’s largest onshore wind farm, comprising 46 wind turbines with a capacity of 3,200 kW each, spanning the municipalities of Tamura, Okuma, Namie, and Katsurao. The total generation capacity of the wind farm is 147,000 kW.

 [1] https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/mideast-africa/news/release/2025/group/19910

[Japan] Kansai EPC: Additional investment in SkyDrive and expansion of capital and business alliance

As of March 26, 2025, the Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (Kansai EPC) entered into a new capital and business alliance agreement, as well as agreements related to additional investment, with SkyDrive Inc. [1] Kansai EPC has been collaborating with SkyDrive to date in the development of optimal charging systems for the aircraft that SkyDrive is developing, as well as in the development of energy management systems, with the aim of providing mobility services for AAM. The goal of this alliance is to collaborate to propose energy solutions to operators of vertiports and to achieve de facto standardization of charging systems for AAM. SkyDrive is the only domestic aircraft manufacturer of Aam scheduled to operate at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.

 [1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/english/corporate/pr/2025/pdf/mar26_1.pdf

[Japan] Project financing for Seagreen Offshore electricity transmission project in UK

As of March 10, 2025, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation signed on March 6 a loan agreement with Seagreen Phase 1 of OFTO Project Limited (Seagreen), a British company invested in by Kyuden International Cooperation, Kyushu Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Co., Inc., and Equitix Investment Management Limited of the United Kingdom. [1] JBIC will provide project financing up to approximately GBP283 million (JBIC portion) for an offshore electricity transmission project for Seagreen offshore wind farm in the UK. Co-financed with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., and Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited, the total amount goes to approximately GBP568 million. Seagreen will own and operate the facilities for offshore electricity transmission located about 27 km off the east coast of northeast Great Britain. Seagreen will also transmit the electricity generated by the wind farm, with total generation capacity of 1,075 MW, to the National Grid for 24 years. The expertise gained from the electricity transmission service for the offshore wind farm is expected to be utilized in future projects in Japan and other countries in addition to the UK.

[1] https://www.jbic.go.jp/en/information/press/press-2024/press_00151.html

[Japan] Kansai and Iberdrola agree to expand global strategic alliance

As of February 21, 2025, Kansai Electric Power Co. (Kansai), announced that it signed a new memorandum on global strategic collaboration with Iberdrola. [1] The strategic partnership aims to focus on renewables and transmission and distribution, with both companies accelerating global business development. Iberdrola is a major company in the renewable energy sector with a worldwide footprint in almost 30 countries. Kansai is collaborating with Iberdrola on joint investments in projects, including the Windanker offshore wind farm in Germany, and the UK distribution network (Electricity North West (ENW) group). This collaboration aims to expand its global business and contribute to the achievement of a zero-carbon society.

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/english/corporate/pr/2025/pdf/feb21_1.pdf

[Japan] Government of Japan cabinet decision on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan

As of February 18, 2025, the Government of Japan made a Cabinet Decision on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan after going through the public comment procedure and other processes. [1] The Strategic Energy Plan is formulated under the Basic Act on Energy Policy to show the basic directions for Japan’s energy policies. The Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy began discussions on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan in May of 2024 and presented the draft version of the plan on December 17, 2024. Most recently, a cabinet decision was made such that the GX2040 Vision and the Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures were approved, with the intention of furthering a stable energy supply, economic growth, and decarbonization simultaneously. The previous revision occurred in October 2021, with the newer one being implemented in light of the changing energy situation in Japan.

 [1] https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2025/0218_001.html

[Japan] NYK conducts biofuel trial on coal carrier for Tohoku Electric Power

As of February 9, 2025, NYK started a biofuel test run on its coal carrier Noshiro Maru, which is operated for Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. [1] This is the first time in Japan that a coal carrier has been used to test biofuel for a domestic power utility company. Mitsubishi Corporation Energy Co., Ltd. in the Keihin area facilitated the supply of the biofuel. Biofuels are made from organic resources (biomass) of biological origin, and are considered to produce virtually zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when combusted. Since they can be used in heavy-oil powered ship engines, biofuels are considered a key means of reducing GHG emissions during the energy transition. Using biofuels in sea navigation also reduced Scope 3 GHG emissions generated by transporting customers’ cargo. NYK intends to continue introducing biofuels and reducing GHG emissions in their customers’ supply chains, while promoting decarbonization in maritime transport.

[1] https://www.nyk.com/english/news/2025/20250210_04.html

[Japan] Sumitomo Electric initiates project for redox flow battery system in the Oki Islands

As of February 5, 2025, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has initiated a project for constructing a storage battery system using redox flow batteries (final scale: output 4,000 kW, capacity 12,500 kWh) in Ama Town, Oki County, Shimane Prefecture in Japan. [1] This storage battery system is an initiative that three parties – Chugoku Electric Power Transmission & Distribution Co., Inc., Ama Town, and como-gomo. company – have worked on under a subsidy from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment titled “Facility Introduction Support Project for Mainstreaming Renewable Energy in Remote Islands.” Sumitomo Electric plans to contribute to the promotion of carbon neutrality and the enhancement of resilience to disasters in the Oki Islands through the redox flow battery system. The aforementioned three parties will accelerate efforts to realize a decarbonized society in Ama Town through a tripartite public-private partnership. The project will build a next-generation power network that can respond to disasters, including independent power supply operation (microgrid) during emergencies. This initiative is also expected to contribute to renewable energy development in the Oki islands.

[1] https://sumitomoelectric.com/press/2025/02/prs013

[Japan] JERA and Yamato group sign agreement on renewable energy collaboration for decarbonizing logistics

As of January 8, 2025, JERA announced that it has signed a basic agreement with Yamato Transport related to collaboration on renewable energy equipment and its optimal utilization aimed at achieving decarbonization of logistics. [1] The Yamato Group has the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a 48% reduction in emissions by 2030. Under the basic agreement with Yamato Transport, JERA’s subsidiary JERA Cross, acting as an aggregation coordinator, will support Yamato Energy Management in managing supply and demand operations to maintain a balanced volume of renewable and other energy. Furthermore, tracking renewable energy from electric vehicles and solar power generating equipment used at the sales locations of the Yamato Group is intended to enable more efficient utilization of renewable energy. JERA aims to achieve decarbonization of logistics by supplying the Yamato Group with 24/7 carbon-free energy.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20250108_2103

[Japan] Kansai inked agreement with Iberdola for an offshore wind farm project in Germany

As of December 13, 2024, Japan’s Kansai Electric Power Co. has taken a 49% stake in Iberdrola’s Windanker offshore wind project in Germany, expanding its partnership with the Spanish renewable energy giant. [1] The wind farm will have an installed capacity of 315 MW and start operating by 2026. The project marks Kansai’s 5th offshore wind farm participation overseas and involves the installation of 21 bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines. The acquisition brings Kansai’s net capacity of overseas generation to 3,007 MW. Kansai aims to collaborate with Iberdrola on more overseas projects in various fields, such as renewable energy, since it is one of the leading energy companies in the renewable energy sector. Kansai’s goal is to use the experience from the project to expand offshore wind power projects in Japan and contribute to a future zero-carbon society.

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/english/corporate/pr/2024/pdf/dec13_1.pdf

[Japan] Nuclear reactor at Shimane plant restarts for first time since 2012

As of December 7, 2024, a nuclear reactor in Shimane Prefecture in western Japan has restarted for the first time in 13 years. [1] It is the 14th reactor to be reactivated after meeting Japan’s new requirements that were introduced after the Fukushima Daiichi plant meltdowns. The Chugoku Electric Power Company suspended operations of the No. 2 reactor at the Shimane nuclear power plant in 2012 for regular inspections. The unit passed the Nuclear Regulation Authority’s screening in 2021. Chugoku Electric completed construction work in October and finished putting in nuclear fuel in November. The utility stated that the reactor reached a self-sustaining chain reaction two hours after the restart, and power generation will commence later in the month. Commercial operations are expected to resume in early January. The Shimane complex in Matsue City is the only nuclear power plant in a Japanese prefectural capital.

[1] https://www.energia.co.jp/atom_info/assets/20241207a_5.pdf

[Japan] Japan’s first commercial use of electricity generated with hydrogen-fired zero-emissions thermal

As of November 29, 2024, Toho Co., Ltd. And JERA Co., Inc. are pursuing efforts to eliminate CO2 emissions from electricity consumed at Toho Studios, Japan’s largest movie studio. [1] JERA has begun supplying hydrogen-generated power to Toho Studios through its subsidiary JERA Cross. This is Japan’s first commercial use of electricity generated with hydrogen-fired zero-emissions thermal. JERA has been moving forward with the construction of an on-site hydrogen power generation facility at Sodegaura Thermal Power Station in Chiba. With the recent conclusion of construction and testing, JERA Cross has begun supplying off-site electricity to Toho Studios, where commercial use of electricity generated with hydrogen-fired zero-emission thermal began on November 29, 2024. Toho Studios has also introduced electricity sourced from JERA solar power generation facilities and aims to supply all its electricity needs with 24/7 carbon-free energy going forward.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20241129_2071

[Japan] Nimbus and Toshiba announce joint development of next-generation pure hydrogen fuel cell stack

As of November 21, 2024, Nimbus Power Systems (Groton, Connecticut, USA) and Toshiba Energy Systems and Solutions Corporation (Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan) have signed a joint development agreement for a next-generation pure hydrogen fuel cell stack. [1] It is applicable to various mobility applications, like buses and trucks, as well as stationary uses. Under the agreement, Nimbus will combine its “four-fluid stack technology” with Toshiba’s “fuel cell commercialization and mass production technology” to jointly develop the pure hydrogen fuel cell stack. Nimbus has fuel cell technology aimed at large mobility applications. The “four-fluid stack technology” combines porous and metal separators to supply four fluids: hydrogen, air, pure water, and antifreeze, enabling stable operation at high output. Meanwhile, Toshiba has experience manufacturing fuel cells and possesses commercialization and mass production capabilities using porous separators. Nimbus and Toshiba aim to contribute to the expansion of the hydrogen value chain and decarbonization.

[1] https://www.global.toshiba/ww/news/energy/2024/11/news-20241121-01.html

[Japan] MOL, KEPCO sign MoU for joint study of liquefied hydrogen carrier

As of November 19, 2024, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) and the Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the joint study of a liquefied hydrogen carrier. [1] This is the first such agreement between a shipping company and a power generation company in Japan regarding marine transport of liquefied hydrogen. The companies will conduct a detailed review of the optimal vessels and operations in the liquefied hydrogen supply chain and their safety. They will also analyze international laws and regulations related to the marine transport of liquefied hydrogen. MOL and KEPCO will continue to study the specifics of marine transport of liquefied hydrogen and work toward the establishment of a hydrogen supply chain and realization of a zero-carbon society.

[1] https://www.mol.co.jp/en/pr/2024/24118.html

[Japan] BP enters Japan’s power market

On November 27, 2023, BP announced that it has entered Japan’s power market after receiving approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).[1] BP Energy Japan (BPEJ), part of the company’s trading and shipping business, will operate the new business. In a statement, BP said the move was part of its plan to expand its investment in several areas of growth, including renewable energy and electricity. BP, which has been a supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), oil, petroleum products, and lubricants to Japan for over 60 years, plans to expand into low-carbon energy in the coming decades as it seeks to create a business model that can survive the global transition away from fossil fuels.

[1] https://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/country-sites/ja_jp/japan/home/%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9/pressrelease/documents/2023/BPEJ%20Announcement_231127%20FINAL.pdf

[Japan] Japanese town allows survey for interim spent nuclear fuel storage facility

Kaminoseki, a small town in western Japan, announced on August 18, 2023, that it has agreed to a geological study to determine its suitability as an interim storage site for spent nuclear fuel.[1] Earlier in August, Chugoku Electric Power Co. proposed a plan to jointly construct the facility with Kansai Electric Power Co., whose spent fuel storage pools are almost full. If built, it would be the second such storage facility in Japan, following one already built in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture, in northeastern Japan. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), there is about 190,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel stored at power plants in Japan, about 80% of total storage capacity and up from 75% in 2019. The proposed interim storage facility would keep spent fuel until it is transferred to a facility to reprocess plutonium for reuse under the government’s nuclear fuel recycling policy.

The decision to allow the geological study will result in a nuclear-related state subsidy and fresh sources of tax revenues for the fast-graying municipality. During a televised news conference, Kaminoseki Mayor Tetsuo Nishi stated, “The town will only get poorer if we just keep waiting. We should do whatever is available now." According to Chugoku Electric, the town will receive a subsidy of 140 million yen ($962,000) a year during the period of the survey.

[1] https://apnews.com/article/japan-nuclear-spent-fuel-storage-fukushima-kaminoseki-b65e0710a91fc979cf0d89364d504a91

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/7a5b19a9cd52-japan-town-oks-survey-for-interim-spent-nuclear-fuel-storage-facility.html

[Japan] Octopus Energy announces investment in Yotsuya Capital

British company Octopus Energy Generation announced on April 5, 2023, that it is investing in Yotsuya Capita, a solar developer in Japan, with the aim to accelerate Japan’s energy transition.[1] Octopus Energy Generation manages over 3 GW of renewable energy assets like wind and solar farms across 13 countries, worth nearly £6 billion. The deal is the company’s first investment in the Asian renewables market, with other projects already lined up in Japan and elsewhere across the continent. The initial seven-figure investment was made on behalf of the Sky fund, which is managed by Octopus Energy Generation, and will enable Yotsuya Capital to develop 250 MW of new solar in Japan over the next five years. Yotsuya Capital plans to sell the solar energy through long-term corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs). The new solar power could generate enough green power for the equivalent of almost 100,000 homes. The move comes as Octopus Energy’s retail business in Japan reaches 160,000 customers.

[1] https://octopus.energy/press/octopus-energy-kicks-off-asian-renewables-push-with-first-japanese-solar-deal/

[Japan] Yara Clean Ammonia to supply clean ammonia to JERA

According to a January 17, 2023, press release, Yara Clean Ammonia has been nominated as a potential supplier to supply up to 500 kilotons (kt) of clean ammonia to JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Plant Unit 4 in Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.[1] This is JERA’s first commercial-scale co-firing project. The sale and purchase of clean ammonia for 20% co-firing operations is expected to start in 2027. The expected required volume is up to 500,000 metric tonnes per year (mtpa). The two companies also plan to collaborate on blue ammonia production in the U.S. Gulf Coast and to produce more than 1 million mtpa.

Yara Clean Ammonia, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, works towards capturing growth opportunities in low-emission fuel for shipping and power, carbon-free food production, and ammonia for industrial applications. The company operates the largest global ammonia network with 12 ships and has access to 18 ammonia terminals and multiple ammonia production and consumption sites across the world. JERA is an equal joint venture of two major Japanese electric power companies, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fuel & Power Incorporated and Chubu Electric Power Company. The company produces about 30% of Japan’s electricity and handles 35 million tons of LNG annually. JERA aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

[1] https://www.yara.com/news-and-media/news/archive/2023/yara-clean-ammonia-and-jera-announce-a-mou-for-joint-project-development-and-sales-purchase-of-clean-ammonia/