Sakai City Launches Joint Renewable Energy Purchasing Project for Local Businesses

Sakai City Introduces Joint Purchasing for Renewable Energy

In a proactive move toward achieving a sustainable future, Enerbank, a leading renewable energy service provider, has announced the initiation of a collaborative purchasing project for renewable energy and FIT non-fossil certificates targeted at local businesses in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. This initiative focuses on promoting decarbonization and environmental awareness among local enterprises.

Overview of the Joint Purchasing Project

The joint purchasing model allows multiple businesses to collectively procure renewable energy, garnering scale advantages that lead to reduced costs compared to individual purchases. By partnering with Sakai City, Enerbank aims to support the regional decarbonization process and work towards the realization of a carbon-neutral society by 2050.

Key Services Offered

The project features two primary services: EnerOuku and Green Ticket.

EnerOuku

This service acts as a broker, enabling businesses to compare electricity rates from retailers across the nation in an auction format. Companies can select the most suitable energy contracts according to their needs, optimally balancing cost and sustainability.

Green Ticket

The Green Ticket service facilitates transactions involving environmental value certificates, allowing participants to bolster their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts while ensuring compliance with various national regulations.

Benefits of Participating in the Project

Companies joining the joint purchasing initiative of renewable energy stand to gain numerous advantages:

1. Cost Reduction: Joint procurement offers favorable terms that are superior to those typically available through individual negotiations, allowing for more affordable adoption of renewable energy.
2. Environmental Contribution: By opting for renewable energy sources, businesses can contribute to environmental protection efforts, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
3. Enhanced Corporate Value: A commitment to sustainability improves a company's public image and strengthens its competitive edge by establishing a robust sustainable business model.
4. Directly Manage Power Procurement: All processes are handled online, simplifying the complexities of energy menu selection with comprehensive support from Enerbank, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
5. High Reliability: Being backed by local government ensures participants can engage confidently in the project.

Besides joint procurement options, Enerbank is prepared to assist with individual energy auction transitions, further enhancing flexibility and support for businesses.

Initiative for FIT Non-Fossil Certificates

Additionally, the project emphasizes the procurement of environmental value associated with electricity generated without fossil fuels. Using FIT non-fossil certificates, businesses can facilitate their energy transition without incurring substantial costs through collaboration.

Benefits of FIT Non-Fossil Certificates

- No Need for Contract Changes: Energy value can be ascribed without altering existing contracts with energy suppliers.
- Price Control through Joint Procurement: Collective buying power enables more economical adoption of renewable energy sources, thereby reducing costs.
- Useful for PR and Compliance: This initiative can help businesses comply with climate goals, improve SBT certifications, enhance CDP scores, and aid in achieving the RE100 initiative, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Future Developments

To expand its reach, the project will introduce a Private Partner System aimed at collaborating with partner enterprises to promote renewable energy procurement through EnerOuku and Green Ticket services. Coordinated efforts with auctions from other regions will also be pursued to maximize volume discounts.

How to Apply for Support

A dedicated webpage for the initiative is currently in preparation and will be made available soon. To request support for various services, businesses will be able to register as per the guidelines posted on the Sakai City website (details to be updated shortly).