JA Mitsui Lease Energy Solutions, The Norinchukin Bank, Ryutsu Service, and TEA ENERGY partnered to develop agrisolar power plants utilizing tea farms in Shizuoka Prefecture, the companies said on April 25, 2025.
Under the partnership, the parties will invest in Chabatake Solar LLC, a special purpose company (SPC) that will own the projects. They plan to sell the output of the power plants through off-site PPAs. The SPC will pay farm operation and rental fees to landowners.
TEA ENERGY will provide technology that allows tea growing and solar power generation to coexist. Ryutsu Service, a Shizuoka-based tea and coffee products maker, will purchase raw tea produced under the power plants, turn it into matcha, and export it. JA Mitsui Lease Energy Solutions and The Norinchukin Bank did not disclose their roles, though they have been involved in project development, operation, and financing in the past.
The companies did not disclose target project count, capacity, or timeline.
With unutilized land suitable for solar projects in short supply and local opposition to new projects growing, some developers are turning to agrisolar as a way to grow their pipelines and integrate with local communities.
