#Japan #Renewable Energy #Osaka Gas #JA Mitsui Lease #Sukagawa

Development of Energy Storage in Sukagawa City, Fukushima

JA Mitsui Lease Corporation, under the leadership of President and Executive Officer Yasuyuki Matsumoto, together with its strategic subsidiary, JA Mitsui Energy Solutions (headed by President Shingo Akutsu), has officially embarked on the development of an energy storage facility in Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. This project, which is being realized through the Sukagawa Battery LLC—a joint venture with Osaka Gas (led by CEO Masataka Fujiwara)—marks the first cooperative investment by both companies in the battery sector.

In recent years, the increase in renewable energy sources has heightened the demand for energy storage systems that can effectively manage the variable outputs associated with such sources. The battery storage facility, known as Sukagawa Storage Power Plant, is designed with a capacity of 22MW output and 95MWh storage capacity. By connecting large-scale batteries to the power grid, the facility aims to balance the supply and demand of renewable energy, thereby contributing to the overall stability of the electric power system.

At Sukagawa Storage, JA Mitsui Lease Group will oversee business operations, financial and project management. Meanwhile, Osaka Gas will leverage its extensive trading expertise in three electricity markets—wholesale, demand-supply adjustment, and capacity markets—thereby enhancing the grid’s stability.

JA Mitsui Lease Group has incorporated the evolution of business models as a key focus in its five-year management plan, 'Sustainable Evolution,' fostering innovation within the energy transition sector. The company is committed to advancing sustainable practices contributing to a decarbonized society and fostering local community development.

Similarly, the Daigas Group underlines its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, set forth in its ‘Energy Transition 2050’ initiative. The battery storage project is deemed critical in expanding renewable energy proliferation while stabilizing the power grid. The group has set an ambitious goal of achieving a battery operating scale of 1,000MW by 2030, which encompasses both grid-connected and renewable energy-integrated systems.

Going forward, both JA Mitsui Lease Group and Osaka Gas are dedicated to expanding their battery storage business. They aim to further enhance the proliferation of renewable energy and contribute to stabilizing the electric grid while addressing broader societal challenges associated with achieving a decarbonized future.

Project Overview

• - Project Entity: Sukagawa Battery LLC
• - Facility Name: Sukagawa Storage Power Plant
• - Location: Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
• - Rated Output: 22MW
• - Rated Capacity: 95MWh
• - Battery Type: Lithium-ion batteries
• - Expected Start of Operations: FY2028
• - Investment Partners:

- JA Mitsui Energy Solutions (JMES): Responsible for business operations, financing, and management
- Osaka Gas: Engaged in battery operations and trading in the electricity market.

Company Profiles

JA Mitsui Lease

• - Company Name: JA Mitsui Lease Corporation
• - Headquarters: 8-13-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Yasuyuki Matsumoto
• - Capital: ¥49,500 million
• - Established: April 1, 2008
• - Business Overview: Leasing, installment sales, financial services, and related operations

JA Mitsui Energy Solutions (JMES)

• - Company Name: JA Mitsui Energy Solutions
• - Headquarters: 8-13-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Shingo Akutsu
• - Capital: ¥366 million
• - Established: December 11, 2014
• - Business Overview: Investments in energy-related fields, equipment management, and electricity retail services

Osaka Gas

• - Company Name: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
• - Headquarters: 4-1-2 Hiranocho, Chuo-ku, Osaka
• - CEO: Masataka Fujiwara
• - Capital: ¥132,167 million
• - Established: April 10, 1897
• - Business Overview: Manufacturing and selling gas, electricity generation, and retailing

For media inquiries, please contact:

• - JA Mitsui Lease: Corporate Communication Department, Phone: 03-6775-3002, Email: [email protected]
• - Osaka Gas: Public Relations Department, Phone: 06-6205-4515