Japan energy storage project construction site progress

When will Hirohara energy storage plant be built in Miyazaki?

The actual construction of the 30MW/120MWh Hirohara Energy Storage Plant in Miyazaki City, which is the first grid-scale project in Miyazaki Prefecture, will begin on October 1, 2024. Development of the project was first announced this April and the facility is expected to be commissioned in July 2026.

Who owns the battery storage facility in Japan?

Project financing has been arranged by MUFG Bank representing the first battery storage project they have arranged finance for in Japan. Under the offtake agreement, Eku Energy will own the BESS while Tokyo Gas will own 100% of its operating rights for 20 years, with Eku Energy responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the facility.

How big is Japan's energy storage capacity?

The installed capacity of large-scale energy storage in Japan is expected to increase from approximately 4GW/10GWh in 2022 to about 10 GW/27GWh in 2030. Construction of Hirohara BESS is scheduled to begin in fall 2024, with commercial operations expected to commence in 2026.

Where is EKU energy's Hirohara battery energy storage system located?

Global energy storage specialist, Eku Energy, has announced the Hirohara Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located in Oaza Hirohara, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The 30MW/120MWh battery is Eku’s first in Japan, and the company has agreed a 20-year offtake agreement for the project with Tokyo Gas.

What is the Hirohara battery energy storage system?

The Hirohara battery energy storage system is Eku Energy’s first project in Japan set to reach Financial Close and our latest global project that combines our global energy storage specialisation coupled with our deep local presence. We are pleased to be partnering with Tokyo Gas as offtaker as we together accelerate the energy transition.

What are the policy settings for battery energy storage in Japan?

The policy settings in Japan support investment in Battery Energy Storage and are compatible with delivering safe, secure and reliable green energy in a cost-effective manner to energy consumers, which is our mission. Kentaro Ono, Eku Energy Japan’s Managing Director, said: