Erex signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Samsung C&T Japan to collaborate on an integrated decarbonization project in Niigata Prefecture, the company announced on July 31, 2026.
According to the statement, the companies are considering partnering on the development of Erex’s planned 112MW biomass power plant in the prefecture, as well as on biomass fuel, battery storage, and AI-related new business opportunities. They aim to finalize the tie-up structure by the end of 2026.
The companies already cooperate on biomass fuel supply. In November 2025, Erex also signed an MoU with Samsung C&T to jointly develop and own battery storage projects nationwide. Under the partnership, the Korean conglomerate joined the Japanese power developer’s first battery project, a 2MW/8.13MWh facility commissioned in April 2026 in Miyazaki Prefecture.
The Niigata biomass project is expected to be commissioned in FY2029, use wood pellets and palm kernel shells (PKS), and operate under a 20-year capacity contract secured in the FY2025 long-term decarbonization auction. The company also plans to attract data center development to the area, including potentially at the power plant site itself.
Samsung C&T is separately active in the Japanese storage market through a 10% stake in the 25MW/50MWh Kamiosatsu Power Storage Station under construction in Chitose City, Hokkaido, which it is developing with Mitsubishi HC Capital Energy, Mitsubishi Estate, and Osaka Gas.
