#Japan #Himeji #IDEMITSU #Renova #Himeji Battery

Himeji Battery Storage Plant to Start Operations

The Himeji Battery Storage Plant, developed through a joint investment effort by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Renova Inc., Nagase & Co., Ltd., and SMFL Mirai Partners Co., Ltd., is set to commence operations on October 10, 2025. This plant, constructed on the idle land of the Idemitsu Hyogo Refinery, features a battery system directly connected to the power transmission network, which will play a crucial role in balancing the electricity supply and demand by charging and discharging power according to the times of day.

The storage facility aims to establish a viable revenue model in the electric power business by leveraging real-time demand-supply adjustments through the demand response market and securing future power supply capabilities through the capacity market.

Contributions to Renewable Energy

The operation of the Himeji Battery Storage Plant will prioritize safety and reliability. The plant's functionalities will support the establishment of renewable energy as a primary power source, which is vital as energy generation fluctuates with weather conditions and time of use. This aligns with the broader objective of enhancing the stability of the power grid and facilitating the increase of renewable energy sources in the energy mix.

Company Insights

Idemitsu is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The company continues to pursue various initiatives that contribute to the realization of a circular society. By capitalizing on its accumulated expertise and workforce in the electric power and renewable energy sectors, Idemitsu aims to solidify a business model centered around energy storage systems and promote the further integration of renewable energy sources.

Renova, with a mission to create a sustainable and green energy system to address key societal challenges, has taken a significant step by commencing operations at this system-oriented energy storage facility. This project represents a crucial milestone towards achieving Renova's medium-term management plan, which targets a capacity of 5.0 GW by 2030, including 0.9 GW from energy storage initiatives.

Nagase emphasizes its vision of realizing a safe and warm society where people can live comfortably. Having been engaged in the manufacture and distribution of batteries for many years, the company plans to apply its expertise in support of the battery storage facility and expand its offerings to include materials and solutions crucial for battery storage operations.

SMFL Mirai Partners provides a range of finance services related to investments in renewable energy and energy conservation equipment. The company aims to support the initiative through project finance and other contributions, reinforcing its commitment to advancing renewable energy deployments across the region.

Himeji Battery Storage Plant Overview

• - Business Entity: Himeji Battery Storage LLC
• - Location: 1-24 Miga Hida-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
• - Site Area: Approximately 2,900 square meters
• - Technology: Lithium-ion batteries
• - Storage Capacity: 15 MW, 48 MWh
• - Operational Start Date: October 10, 2025

Participating Companies and Shares

• - Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (51%): Operations management, market transactions, maintenance
• - Renova Inc. (22%): Overall engineering, financing, and operation of the company
• - Nagase & Co., Ltd. (22%): Engineering support related to batteries
• - SMFL Mirai Partners Co., Ltd. (5%): Project financing

The Himeji Battery Storage Plant stands as a vital addition to Japan's grid system, fundamentally altering how energy will be managed, enabling a more sustainable and stable future for the upcoming generations. This operation marks a significant shift towards more integrated and reliable renewable energy sources that can adapt to the needs of the population.