Monthly Report

Eku Energy breaks ground on 30MW/120MWh BESS project in Miyazaki, its first in Japan

September 25, 2024
Eku Energy Hirohara BESS
Eku Energy’s project is set to become the first grid-scale BESS facility in Miyazaki Prefecture. (Image: Eku Energy)

Eku Energy’s Japan subsidiary Nihon Chikuden held ground breaking ceremony for its first BESS project on September 24, 2024. 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. Nihon Chikuden signed a 20-year tolling contract for the facility with Tokyo Gas and secured approximately 8.5 billion yen in funding through Mitsubishi UFJ Bank. Tokyo Gas plans to use the BESS for trading in the wholesale, capacity, and balancing markets.

“Japan is one of the most important markets for Eku Energy, and we are pleased to announce our first final investment decision in Japan. Eku Energy has been developing projects in Japan for several years, and by combining our expertise in the global energy storage business with our deep relationships with local partners, we have been able to take the first step in accelerating the energy transition together with Tokyo Gas,” said Eku Energy’s Head of APAC Daniel Burrows when first announcing the development of the storage plant.

In addition to Japan, Eku Energy is involved in the development of BESS projects in three other countries: the UK, Italy, and Australia.

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