#Japan #Tokyo #JAL Group #JAL Agriport #PowerX Cube

Introduction

In a significant breakthrough in sustainable agriculture, the JAL Group, along with PowerX and JAL Agriport, has successfully completed the harvest of summer strawberries using the innovative PowerX Cube energy storage system. This collaboration is part of a larger project aimed at establishing a carbon zero agricultural model, leveraging renewable energy to reduce both operational costs and environmental impact.

Achievements of the Project

The summer of 2026 marks the first operational period of the energy system, combining solar power generation with the PowerX Cube. JAL Agriport has been cultivating a strawberry variety named “Yotsuboshi,” developed by the National Institute of Agricultural Technologies, which began yielding fruit in June. These strawberries are now available in supermarkets in the Narita area and various patisseries across the Kanto region.

Renewable Energy Contribution

By integrating solar power directly with the PowerX Cube's charging and discharging capabilities, approximately 60% of the power consumed during the peak air conditioning months of June and July has been sourced from renewable energy. This resulted in a remarkable reduction of 11,500 kWh in purchased energy from the grid in July alone, correlating to an estimated cost saving of around 280,000 yen per month and a reduction of approximately 4.9 tons of CO2 emissions. Notably, this reduction in CO2 emissions is equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of two standard passenger cars.

Background of the Demonstration

Strawberries are traditionally grown in winter and spring, making their availability scarce and prices high in summer. This initiative to cultivate strawberries year-round can significantly enhance profitability for farmers. Notably, maintaining the right temperature and humidity for strawberry growth during hot summer months necessitates efficient cooling systems, a challenge compounded by rising electricity costs and CO2 emissions. This project seeks to mitigate these issues by utilizing solar power and battery storage to meet cooling demands sustainably.

Partnership and Development

The trio of companies—PowerX, JAL, and JAL Agriport—announced their partnership for environmental projects in April 2025 and have since been working on the strawberry cultivation initiative at JAL FARM. The PowerX Cube was put into operation by December 2025, allowing for the monitoring of energy production from solar panels, which is stored and used for greenhouse cooling systems. This collaboration aims to realize carbon zero farming that not only optimizes strawberry growth but also respects environmental sustainability.

Future Directions

As the project moves forward, the three companies are committed to refining the optimization of battery storage controls and enhancing the rate of self-consumption of solar-generated energy. They also aim to develop a new model for battery utilization capable of adapting to fluctuating energy demands specific to greenhouse cultivation, allowing for practical applications in energy markets during varying seasons.

The challenges posed by climate change and rising energy costs are universal across the agricultural sector. Insights gathered from this project will be pivotal in expanding the carbon zero agricultural model to other regions, striving for simultaneous profitability and reduced environmental impact.

About PowerX Cube

The PowerX Cube showcased in this initiative is a medium-sized industrial energy storage system developed and manufactured by PowerX in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. With a storage capacity equivalent to the daily energy consumption of about 30 households (358 kWh nominal), it is designed to assist in peak reduction for commercial facilities and factories, while also serving as a power source during emergencies as part of business continuity planning (BCP). The system effectively supports the sustainable use of renewable energy generated from solar power by storing surplus energy and discharging it during peak demand periods.

For detailed information, visit: PowerX Cube.

About JAL Agriport

Established in 2018, JAL Agriport is a member of the JAL Group, operating on vast farmland near Narita Airport. The firm utilizes its network and know-how to enhance the value of Japanese agricultural products, focusing on exporting strawberries cultivated at their farms and offering culinary experiences using local ingredients at their restaurant,