#Japan #decarbonization #Solar Power #Bunkyo #Hirasol Energy

Hirasol Energy Series B Funding for Local Decarbonization

Hirasol Energy, based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has recently completed the second close of its Series B funding round. The company aims to advance local decarbonization with its innovative solar energy initiatives, particularly through the Hundred-Year Solar project. Notably, the funding was facilitated through a third-party allocation increase involving Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation and ONE Innovators, amounting to a total of 1.3 billion yen raised since inception.

Overview of Hirasol Energy's Mission

Hirasol Energy has set its mission on realizing long-lasting solar energy solutions. This approach aligns with Japan’s goal of achieving sustainability through renewable energy. The company’s efforts focus on two main services:

• - Hundred-Year Solar
• - Regional Solar DX Support

Hundred-Year Solar Initiative

The Hundred-Year Solar initiative, inspired by a collaborative research project with Yamanashi Prefecture, targets small to medium-sized existing solar power facilities. By partnering with local financial institutions, enterprises, and municipalities, Hirasol aims to acquire these facilities and enhance their operational efficiency using digital technologies. The project aims to rejuvenate aging solar power plants, effectively managing them post-feed-in tariff (FIT) period, thus addressing waste issues while ensuring stable renewable energy supply and promoting local consumption. The project has already launched its first phase in Yamanashi and is set to expand to Kyushu by March 2025 with the Hundred-Year Solar Kyushu initiative.

Regional Solar DX Support

The Regional Solar DX Support targets diverse stakeholders including local financial institutions and power plant owners committed to decarbonization. The initiative leverages proprietary digital technology, offering three unique solutions to improve operational efficiency and further the decarbonization objectives:

• - Multi-Vendor Compatible EMS: PlamaLink
• - Value Up Support for small-scale solar power operators through repowering strategies for enhanced performance
• - Energy Management Construction Support targeting corporate users of diverse decentralized energy resources (DER) to maximize cost-effectiveness using PlamaLink

Future Outlook

The recent funding aims to accelerate the nationwide rollout of the Hundred-Year Solar concept. Hirasol plans to consolidate existing small-scale solar power plants throughout Japan, focusing on maintaining their long-term operational stability while promoting local electricity production and consumption. Moreover, the company anticipates rapid service development and provision in its regional solar DX support leveraging the agility of new startups.

Comments from Key Stakeholders

Mitsubishi UFJ Trust conveyed confidence in Hirasol Energy's technologies, emphasizing their role in resolving critical social challenges associated with small-scale solar power plant disposal and the promotion of stable renewable energy supply. They will strengthen their partnership with Hirasol to expedite the expansion of the Hundred-Year Solar endeavor.

ONE Innovators expressed enthusiasm about investing in Hirasol, recognizing the establishment of a business model that combines unique technology with regional finance as vital for tackling issues faced by small to medium solar power operators.

Company Background

Founded in February 2017, Hirasol Energy is headquartered at the Entrepreneur Plaza of the University of Tokyo, located in Bunkyo. Their services encompass the Hundred-Year Solar initiative, repair and restoration services for solar power plants, regional energy support projects, and digital solutions related to solar power.

For more information, visit: Hirasol Energy Website

For inquiries, please contact:
Hirasol Energy Corporate Group
Tel: 03-3868-2528
Email: pr@pplc.co

Hirasol Energy is paving the way for a sustainable future through innovative solar solutions, envisioning a world where clean energy and local resources fuel our communities.