Port Inc. is considering expanding into the grid-scale battery storage business, the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth-listed sales and marketing support services provider announced on March 31, 2025. The company is working on three 2MW/8MWh projects in Gunma Prefecture to verify feasibility.
“We decided to study the feasibility of entering the grid-scale battery business with the aim of supporting our power company clients’ power procurement,” the company said. Currently, Port’s activities in the power industry include working with retailers to acquire and onboard customers. The company has no prior project development experience.
According to the statement, Port hired a team with experience working at major energy companies in October 2023 to start developing the business. It plans to invest about 1 billion yen in the pilot using cash and corporate loans. It said it would consider green loans and other project finance if it decides to build more projects
Two of the pilot assets, one in Ota City and one in Isesaki City, have been under construction since November 2024 and are set for June 2025 commissioning. Another project in Isesaki City is currently under development with construction expected to begin in May 2025 and commissioning planned for October 2025.
Looking to capitalize on the growing need for balancing capacity, other companies with limited energy experience are also entering the grid-scale battery storage business. Among others, in February and March 2025, respectively, the cosmetics company 4Cs Holdings and fashion retailer Star Seeds announced they are developing BESS projects.
