#Japan #Renewable Energy #Energy Transition #Setagaya #Updater

UPDATER's New Scheme for Renewable Energy Support

UPDATER Inc., located in Setagaya, Tokyo, and led by CEO Eiji Oishi, is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector with its innovative retail electricity service, "Minna Denryoku". On November 1, 2025, they will introduce a new program called the "Excellent Power Generation Support Scheme" which focuses on the quality—rather than just the quantity—of renewable energy.

This initiative emphasizes the importance of supporting power generation facilities that foster a harmonious relationship with nature and local communities. Under this program, UPDATER will add 1 yen per kWh to the electricity purchasing price, covering this extra cost itself, to economically support these commendable facilities. For example, a power plant with an approximate capacity of 100 kW and an annual generation capacity of 100 MWh could benefit from up to about 100,000 yen annually. Initially, this scheme will target seven power plants across the country, with plans for gradual expansion.

Background and Purpose

As the adoption of renewable energy continues to grow, there are increasing concerns regarding environmental impacts and glitches in community relations resulting from large-scale developments. Issues such as deforestation and landscape destruction caused by mega-solar installations have begun to surface, prompting the need for an approach that values not just the economic efficiency of energy production but also its impact on community and environment.

Since its establishment, Minna Denryoku has adhered to a principle of "Visible Electricity", placing significance on the connections between electricity, people, communities, and nature. By December 2024, UPDATER plans to revise its electricity procurement policy to exclude power plants that could lead to deforestation or landslide risks, further emphasizing its commitment to environmental and social integrity.

The "Excellent Power Generation Support Scheme" is a manifestation of this philosophy, aiming to provide financial backing to businesses that engage in energy production while coexisting with their communities and environment, thereby striving toward a society where exemplary facilities are rightfully rewarded.

Scheme Overview

Name: Excellent Power Generation Support Scheme
Start Date: November 1, 2025
Support Details:

• - Based on Minna Denryoku's electricity procurement policy, 1 yen per kWh will be added to the purchasing price for power plants with outstanding environmental and social initiatives.
• - The extra funds will contribute to operational costs and community return activities of these plants.

Funding Source: UPDATER will finance this scheme through its electricity sales revenue.
Selection Criteria: Power plants will be evaluated based on comprehensive criteria, adhering to the electricity procurement policy, which includes:
1. Minimal environmental impact
2. Coexistence with the community and social contributions
3. Transparency in information disclosure
4. Safety and compliance with legal regulations

Initial Number of Target Power Plants: Seven solar-sharing facilities across the nation, including locations in Kanagawa, Chiba, Fukushima, and Hyogo.

Featured Power Plants

The first seven selected plants exemplify agricultural solar-sharing practices that enhance community engagement and local employment.

• - Odawara Kanagote Farm - Kanagote Solar Kuwahara Plant (Odawara City, Kanagawa): This plant rehabilitates once-abandoned farmland and is the first in Kanagawa to install water paddy facilities. They actively participate in community events and host visits.
• - See Plant Information Here

• - Fukushima Farmers' Cooperative - Shitahara Plant (Fukushima City, Fukushima): Combining organic agriculture with energy generation, they provide compensation to farmers from their electricity sales and offer charging stations for local residents during power outages.
• - See Plant Information Here

• - Chiba Citizens Energy Corporation - MinEne No. 22 (Sosa City, Chiba): This plant rejuvenates abandoned farmland with organic agriculture and actively gives back to local farming corporations and councils, having received the "Solar Week 2024 Award".
• - See Plant Information Here

• - Misaki Mirai LLC - Blueberry Park Pipopa (Minamisoma City, Fukushima): A dual farming model that contributes to local regeneration through environmental education and tourism by incorporating a blueberry farm in a tsunami-affected area.
• - See Plant Information Here

• - Iitate Electric Co., Ltd. - Yamabesawa Solar Sharing Plant (Iitate Village, Fukushima): This solar-sharing initiative in a disaster-struck area promotes sustainable futures through agricultural practices under the solar panels.
• - See Plant Information Here

• - Nihonmatsu Local Energy Consideration Corporation - Rotating Upright Solar Sharing (Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima): Reviving an abandoned pear orchard while introducing no-till grazing and actively engaging in environmental education and government-subsidized agricultural projects.
• - See Plant Information Here

• - Tsuboguchi Agricultural Tomorrow Research Institute - Tsuboguchi Agricultural Solar Plant (Toyooka City, Hyogo): This plant employs coexisting agricultural methods recognized as a natural cohabitation site, partially funded by Patagonia Japan, focused on energy provision.
• - See Plant Information Here

Future Prospects

Minna Denryoku intends to gradually expand this scheme, focusing on solar-sharing agricultural models, thereby strengthening its procurement system that emphasizes harmony with local resources. Furthermore, the "Coexisting Renewable Energy Project 10" aims to create at least 10 "nature-friendly power generation facilities" across the nation by fiscal year 2028, contributing to the generation of sustainable energy.

"From competitive pricing to competitive quality," Minna Denryoku is determined to realize a renewable energy market where choices are made based on how energy is produced rather than merely cost. They are committed to shaping a future where energy stakeholders—producers, consumers, and communities—can actively engage and thrive together through well-designed systems and market platforms.

Remarks from the Executive

Yoshiki Kajiyama, Senior Executive Officer at UPDATER, indicates, "As renewable energy expands as a societal infrastructure, we must contemplate the kinds of facilities we want to grow. This scheme is crafted to support initiatives by power plants that prioritize coexistence with nature and community, ensuring their values are rightfully recognized in the market. We strive to seek an energy paradigm that allows producers, consumers, and communities to connect sustainably."

About UPDATER Inc.

Founded on October 1, 2021, as a rebranding of Minna Denryoku, UPDATER provides services focused on traceability and transparency aimed at solving social challenges. They were the first in the world to commercialize power traceability through their decarbonization initiative "Minna Denryoku", alongside several other initiatives tackling well-being in labor markets, ethical product evaluation, and promoting sustainable agriculture, and have received multiple awards and certifications.

Company Overview

• - Location: 2-11-22 Sangenjaya, Setagaya, Tokyo, Santa Towers Center Building, 8F
• - Representative: Eiji Oishi
• - Established: May 25, 2011
• - Capital: 100 million yen (capital reserve of approximately 143.91 million yen as of August 31, 2025)
• - Business Activities: Decarbonization with "Minna Denryoku" and other sustainability services.
• - Corporate Site: UPDATER Corporate Website

Media Inquiries:

• - UPDATER Strategic Communications Team
• - Toyoshima and Ueda
• - Phone: 03-6805-2228 (Weekdays 11:00-15:00)
• - Email: [email protected]