TERRA and UPDATER Establish New Solar Sharing Company for Global Reach
In a significant step toward sustainable energy, TERRA Corporation, headquartered in Chiba, Japan, and UPDATER, based in Tokyo, Japan, have officially announced the formation of a new company named TERRA INTERNATIONAL. Set to launch on October 1, 2025, this joint venture focuses on solar sharing initiatives worldwide, particularly in emerging and developing countries. By pooling their resources and expertise, both companies aim to enhance renewable energy solutions and agricultural practices, showcasing the potential of Japanese solar sharing technology on a global scale.
Background and Objectives
Solar sharing—a method of utilizing agricultural land for solar energy generation—was first proposed in Japan by Akira Nagashima in 2003. This innovative power generation approach has seen rapid adoption within Japan, and interest is expanding into Europe, China, Vietnam, and beyond, leading to various ongoing projects in these regions.
TERRA has positioned itself as a pioneer in solar sharing within Japan, developing technologies to withstand diverse environmental conditions, such as wind-resistant systems in Okinawa and snow management systems in Hokkaido. Additionally, TERRA holds patents for the first-ever perovskite solar cell projects, pursuing continuous technical innovation.
Conversely, UPDATER's mission has been to supply renewable energy through small retail electricity operations. It champions sustainable farming initiatives by transforming vacant farmland into productive and eco-friendly areas. Their international projects, particularly in Tanzania, leverage repurposed solar panels to create stable energy solutions, fostering local economic growth while striving for carbon neutrality.
The synergy between TERRA and UPDATER is designed to address the intertwined challenges of energy, agriculture, and community development in emerging regions, thereby expanding the global footprint of Japan's solar sharing technology.
Company Overview
Name: TERRA INTERNATIONAL
Location: 4-3-10 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Hiroshi Higashi
Establishment: October 1, 2025
Investment Ratio: TERRA 85.3%, UPDATER 14.7%
Capital: 6.8 million yen
Business Focus
The primary focus of TERRA INTERNATIONAL includes:
- - Solar Sharing Ventures: Development and management of solar sharing equipment in overseas markets. The company aims to promote a sustainable model that intertwines agricultural practices with energy generation.
- - Environmental Value Creation: Assessment of decarbonization impacts from solar-sharing efforts, utilizing bilateral credit mechanisms to monetize environmental contributions.
- - Research and Verification: Conduct trials across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa to examine agricultural growth metrics, crop suitability, and energy efficiency, thus broadening the horizons of solar sharing potential.
Future Aspirations
TERRA INTERNATIONAL plans to roll out solar sharing installations in four countries, namely UAE, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, beginning in 2025. By collaborating with local farmers, the initiative aims to harmonize renewable energy supply with agricultural development. Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, the integration of advanced technologies, including perovskite solar cells, will facilitate the implementation of solar sharing even in challenging environments like deserts and unstable land.
Research is also underway to explore how solar sharing can reduce excessive sunlight while preventing night cooling, potentially improving soil moisture retention and contributing to desert greening initiatives.
Executive Statements
Hiroshi Higashi, CEO of TERRA, emphasized, “We aim to create a future in harmony with nature, tackling global challenges like climate change and food security through solar sharing. Collaborating with UPDATER adds a unique dimension and synergy to our mission.”
Eiji Oishi, CEO of UPDATER, expressed his enthusiasm for their partnership: “Establishing this new company with TERRA, leveraging our extensive experiences in Japan's renewable energy sector, signifies our commitment to ecologically sustainable growth.”
About the Companies
- - TERRA Corporation: Located in Chiba, Japan, TERRA focuses on solar sharing construction, energy generation, product development, and consulting services. Established in May 2021.
- - UPDATER, Inc.: Based in Setagaya, Tokyo, UPDATER specializes in the SX service sector, focusing on decarbonization and well-being lifestyles. Established in May 2011.
For inquiries, contact TERRA INTERNATIONAL at
[email protected].