Empowering Tomorrow:
Solar Panel Installation at INA Factory in Japan
The Ina facility in Japan has installed rooftop solar panels which will produce 600,000 kWh of renewable electricity per year. All the generated energy will be used by the site, delivering 12% of the site's power demand. The site already runs on 100% renewable electricity, sourced from the grid, and will continue with this source for the rest of its needs. The site hosts semiconductor Product Company Yachiyo and Service Technology Center (STC) Ina.
Switching some of the electricity consumption to onsite generation provides renewable electricity directly to the site, rather than sourcing it from elsewhere on the grid. Consequently, the Ina facility can demonstrate that it has directly supported brand new renewable energy generation, whilst also securing a long-term supply of renewable energy to protect it from supply risks and price volatility in the future.
Onsite renewable electricity, when implemented as part of a broader energy reduction strategy, is a great option to secure long-term supply of renewable energy, to reduce our carbon emissions, and help us to achieve our Group sustainability goals.
The new installation is expected to save approximately 7,000,000 Yen (€45k) on electricity costs per year (at 2023 prices), compared to sourcing the equivalent volume of electricity from the grid. This project was supported with government subsidies, so it also did not require any upfront funding.
A local electricity provider managed installation and is responsible for its ongoing maintenance. The service agreement includes a competitive fixed price for the energy and installation management, for 20 years. Solar power generation began in July 2023 after validation of the supplier and a successful handover meeting.
Continuing the focus on climate transition projects, in September 2023 the site installed EV charge stations to support their fleet of company cars. This initiative also received government funding covering 30% of the installation cost.
"I am so happy and proud of this project, the funding model supported our business case and the installation contributes to reducing our carbon footprint."
Kenichi Haga, SHE Manager, Edwards Japan
Do you have good news to share?
Send your stories to VT_sustainability@atlascopco.com