#Japan #Tokyo #Hydropower #Tokyo Electric #Tama River

Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation Invites Proposals for Hydroelectric Power Sales

The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation has officially announced its plans to invite bids for the sale of electricity generated by hydroelectric power stations along the Tama River. This initiative aims to identify suitable buyers for electricity supplies starting from the 2026 fiscal year, as part of the city's efforts to promote sustainable energy sources.

Overview of the Proposal

The electricity in question will be generated at three hydroelectric power stations: Tama River First Power Station, Shiramaru Power Station, and Tama River Third Power Station. Additionally, this initiative aligns with Tokyo's strategic goals aimed at reducing carbon emissions and advancing eco-friendly practices.

Key Details:

1. Target for Sale: Electricity produced by the three designated hydroelectric power stations, inclusive of associated environmental values that are not covered by feed-in tariffs (FIT).

2. Eligibility Criteria: Participants must be registered retail electricity suppliers under the Electricity Business Act and meet specific conditions outlined in the proposal requirements.

3. Sales Period: The designated sales period will span two years, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028.

4. Target Electricity Volume:
- Fiscal Year 2026: 107,251,000 kWh
- Fiscal Year 2027: 102,661,000 kWh
- Total: 209,912,000 kWh
(This represents the combined output from the three power stations.)

5. Evaluation Criteria for Proposals:
- Purchase price set by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation
- Pricing for the supply of electricity to 20 Tokyo City Bus operational bases and the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Arakawa Line)
- Strategies for utilizing electricity derived from Tokyo-produced hydroelectric power
- Stability of the proposing company's management
(A flow diagram will be provided illustrating the energy distribution from the power station to end consumers.)

6. Upcoming Schedule:
- Announcement of proposal requirements: October 16, 2025
- Deadline for submission of applications: October 29, 2025
- Selection of businesses: Late January 2026 (tentative)
(For more detailed information regarding the proposal requirements and schedule, please refer to the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation's official website.)

Commitment to Sustainable Energy

This project is part of the larger 2050 Tokyo Strategy, an initiative that emphasizes the city's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. The strategy includes zero emissions goals and positions the Tokyo government as a leader in sustainable energy practices.

Background on the Tokyo Electric Business

The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation has been engaged in hydroelectric generation since 1957. Collectively, the three hydroelectric power stations can generate enough electricity to power approximately 35,000 households annually.

Details of Each Power Station:

• - Tama River First Power Station

- Operational Since: December 1957
- Maximum Output: 19,000 kW
- Water Source: Okunoshizu Reservoir
- Sales Volume FY 2024: Approximately 64,919,000 kWh

• - Shiramaru Power Station

- Operational Since: November 2000
- Maximum Output: 1,100 kW
- Water Source: Shiramaru Regulating Reservoir
- Sales Volume FY 2024: Approximately 2,735,000 kWh

• - Tama River Third Power Station

- Operational Since: February 1963
- Maximum Output: 16,400 kW
- Water Source: Shiramaru Regulating Reservoir
- Sales Volume FY 2024: Approximately 60,945,000 kWh

In FY 2024, the total sales volume from the three power stations is expected to be around 128,599,000 kWh.