#Japan #Solar Power #Green Growth #Kagoshima #Minami-Kyu

Green Growth Implements FIP Conversion and Battery Integration

Green Growth Co., Ltd. has officially launched a project for FIP conversion and battery installation at two solar power facilities owned by Minami-Kyu Co., Ltd. These facilities include the MK Solar Yasutake Second Power Plant and the MK Solar Dainokuchi Observatory Power Plant, located in Kagoshima, Japan. This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at creating value through renewable energy and promoting local energy circulation in the region.

Significance and Background of the Project

Founded in 1971, Minami-Kyu has built a reputation on the principle of contributing to global and environmental sustainability through the coordination of agricultural product development, production, import, and distribution. The company has been expanding its operations to include renewable energy since establishing its new energy division in 2012. As of 2025, Minami-Kyu operates a total of 18 high-voltage and 75 low-voltage solar power plants under the MK Solar brand, with a combined capacity of 30 MW.

Minami-Kyu adheres to a policy of managing power plants located within a two-hour radius of its headquarters to ensure effective oversight and maintenance. President Nobuhiro Yamashita emphasizes the importance of maintaining the company’s reputation, stating, “It would be problematic for our power plants named after our company to be overgrown with weeds.” This emphasis on local management has fostered a strong relationship with Green Growth, which aims to establish a system of energy circulation and local contribution beyond the FIT phase.

The official start of this project represents a collaborative effort, where Minami-Kyu operates the power plants while sharing energy and profits back into the local economy (as illustrated in Figure 1).

Overview of the Project

Both MK Solar Yasutake Second Power Plant (AC output 1,750 kW with battery storage of 6,880 kWh located in Kanoya City) and MK Solar Dainokuchi Observatory Power Plant (AC output 1,750 kW with battery storage of 6,680 kWh in Kimotsuki Town) have faced significant challenges including increased output control and reduced revenue from electricity sales. In response to these challenges, Green Growth initiated a comprehensive support program for battery integration, from installation to operation and aggregation.

The project aims to achieve the following outcomes:
1. Revenue Stabilization for Power Producers: By minimizing output control risks and maximizing sales revenue by utilizing market price differences.
2. Enhanced Value of Power Equipment: Establish a sustainable revenue model for power plants through battery integration, especially important post-FIT.
3. Increased Regional Resilience: Providing local energy adjustments through battery storage, contributing to stable supply during disasters or system congestion.

Comments from Minami-Kyu’s President Nobuhiro Yamashita

Nobuhiro Yamashita stated, “Our solar power plants have faced increased output control and declining profitability. Upon receiving Green Growth's proposal for FIP conversion and battery integration, I became optimistic about their vision and execution ability. Their support throughout the planning, permitting, EPC coordination, and operational phases has provided us with significant peace of mind. We resonate with Green Growth’s mission and execution capability, so we decided to embark on this collaboration. Through this effort, we aim to enhance the value of our power plants while also reinforcing the sustainability of the local economy.”

Future Prospects

Green Growth plans to expand the FIP conversion and battery integration initiatives throughout Kyushu Electric's service area, working to improve demand-supply balancing in the electricity market and the capabilities of renewable energy sources. The renewable energy industry faces structural challenges such as limited installation locations, long-term utilization, stability in demand-supply, and leakage of revenue and energy out of local regions.

The solution proposed by Green Growth involves a cohesive approach encompassing the three processes of “creating,” “utilizing,” and “applying.” By tackling these challenges holistically, the aim is to maximize the value of the local renewable energy value chain. The approach not only focuses on individual project support but also encompasses strategic planning, development, asset value enhancement, and distribution—all connecting local economies with energy (as described in Figure 4).

Project Overview

1. MK Solar Yasutake Second Power Plant
- Power Producer: Minami-Kyu Co., Ltd.
- Location: 6587-1 Gengo, Kushira-cho, Kanoya City, Kagoshima
- Panel Capacity (DC): 1,898 kW
- Power Output (AC): 1,750 kW
- Battery Output: 1,750 kW
- Battery Capacity: 6,880 kWh
- Start Date: Expected April 2026
- Operator: Green Growth Co., Ltd.

2. MK Solar Dainokuchi Observatory Power Plant
- Power Producer: Minami-Kyu Co., Ltd.
- Location: 1517 Baba, Kimotsuki Town, Kagoshima
- Panel Capacity (DC): 1,812 kW
- Power Output (AC): 1,750 kW
- Battery Output: 1,750 kW
- Battery Capacity: 6,680 kWh
- Start Date: Expected April 2026
- Operator: Green Growth Co., Ltd.

About Green Growth Co., Ltd.

- Company Name: Green Growth Co., Ltd.
- Mission: “Creating next-generation infrastructure.”
- Established: April 22, 2022
- Locations: 701, 7th Floor, Tensho Office, 3-5-9 Misakicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo; Fukuoka Growth Next, 6-11 Daimyo, Chuo, Fukuoka
- CEO: Junpei Kono
- Business Activities: Support for storage battery and renewable energy development, enhancement of renewable energy value, aggregation initiatives.
- Membership: Association for the Promotion of Long-term Stable Renewable Energy Supply (REASP), Energy Resource Aggregation Business Association (ERA), New Power Council for Renewable Energy (REAP).
- Licenses: Registered electricity retail business, specified wholesale supply business, member of non-fossil value trading.
- Website: Green Growth

Contact for Inquiries

- Business Collaboration Inquiries: Ichikawa, [email protected]
- Recruitment Inquiries: Fukunaga, [email protected]
- General Inquiries: Fukunaga, [email protected]
*Positions available: Business management candidates, electric engineers, technical managers, land developers, etc.