Page not found – 自然電力グループ https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/ 私たちは自然エネルギー100%の世界の最速の実現のために、必要なすべてのサービスを提供し、「つくる」と「つかう」の好循環で、自然エネルギー100%の世界を仲間と共に創ります。 Wed, 13 Mar 2024 08:56:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Shizen Energy Secures Full Ownership of JUWI Joint Ventures https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2024/03/13/secures_full_ownership_of_juwi_jvs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=secures_full_ownership_of_juwi_jvs Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:39 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=15367 Shizen Energy Inc. (Shizen Energy), a leader in renewable energy solutions, proudly announces the successful conclusion of a share transfer agreement with JUWI GmbH (JUWI) of Germany. This landmark agreement solidifies Shizen Energy’s commitment to its Purpose of “We take action for the blue planet” by acquiring full ownership of juwi Shizen Energy Inc. (JSE) and JUWI Shizen Energy Operation Inc. (JSEO), both pivotal joint ventures with JUWI.

Established in 2013, JSE and JSEO were collaborative efforts between Shizen Energy and JUWI, with a focus on the development, engineering, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance of solar and other renewable energy power plants in Japan. Today, JSE boasts a track record of 758.4 MW (as of June 2023) in completed EPC projects, while JSEO has achieved 933.0 MW in cumulative O&M contracts (as of June 2023).

Shizen Energy’s decision to acquire JUWI’s shares stems from its commitment to building a more agile, flexible, and robust organization capable of advancing business operations with greater speed, crucial for realizing a decarbonized society. The acquisition signifies a strategic move towards efficiency and strength in Shizen Energy’s value chain.

Expressing gratitude for more than a decade of collaboration, Shizen Energy acknowledges the pivotal role played by JUWI since their partnership began in 2012. The technological know-how shared by JUWI has been instrumental in the growth of Shizen Energy Group, which is currently engaged in renewable energy projects across 9 countries, including Japan.

The strategic acquisition positions Shizen Energy to accelerate the expansion of key project pipelines, seize Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) growth opportunities, and bolster its presence in the burgeoning battery storage business. This significant step forward aligns with Shizen Energy’s overarching goal of promoting sustainability and addressing the urgent environmental challenges facing our planet. 

Shizen Energy expresses sincere thanks to JUWI and our valued customers for their steadfast support over the years. The enduring partnership with JUWI remains strong, and Shizen Energy looks forward to continuing collaborative efforts to advance renewable energy growth and achieve a decarbonized society.

As Shizen Energy Inc. takes this remarkable step towards realizing a more sustainable future, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to taking decisive actions for the well-being of the blue planet.

Some details are still under discussion, but will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

Overview of the joint ventures
1. juwi Shizen Energy Inc. 

(1) Company Name

juwi Shizen Energy Inc.

(2) Headquarters

Engo Building, 2-4-7 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

(3) Representative Director

Jan Martin Warzecha

(4) Description of Business

Development and EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) of solar and other renewable energy power plants

(5) Capital

102 million JPY (as of end-July, 2023)

(6) Shareholders Before Transaction

Shizen Energy Inc. 50%、JUWI GmbH 50%

(7) Shareholders After Transaction

Shizen Energy Inc. 100%

 

2. JUWI Shizen Energy Operation Inc.

(1) Company Name

JUWI Shizen Energy Operation Inc.

(2) Headquarters

Fukuoka Ohori Building, 1-1-6 Arato, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka

(3) Representative Director

Jan Martin Warzecha

(4) Description of Business

Operation & Maintenance of renewable energy power plants

(5) Capital

20 million JPY (as of end-July, 2023)

(6) Shareholder Before Transaction

Shizen Energy Inc. 70%、JUWI GmbH 30%

(7) Shareholder After Transaction

Shizen Energy Inc. 100%

 

Comments from the Representative Directors of Shizen Energy 
(Ken Isono, Kenji Kawado and Masaya Hasegawa)
With deep gratitude, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to JUWI for over a decade of transformative collaboration since our humble beginnings together in 2012. Our journey, initiated during our visit to JUWI’s headquarters as 3 young pioneers, symbolizes the birth of a shared vision for a sustainable future. In those early days, when our expertise in renewable energy was budding, JUWI’s invaluable guidance and technological capabilities laid the cornerstone for Shizen Energy Group’s remarkable growth. As we look ahead, our enduring bond with JUWI fortifies our purpose as we jointly champion the expansion of renewable energy and the cause of a decarbonized society. To our valued customers of JSE and JSEO, your unwavering support has been greatly appreciated, and we guarantee to remain steadfast in our commitment to serve and surpass expectations. Together, we embark on a future led by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to safeguarding our blue planet for future generations.

Comments from the COO International of the JUWI Group (Stephan Hansen)
The success of our joint venture was based on the strong cultural fit between both companies with their unwavering commitment to improving our blue planet by implementing utility scale renewable energy power plants as well as the excellent strategic fit of joining the international RE experience of JUWI with the Japanese market insights and local expertise of Shizen Energy in 2013.
But the third key column we built and grew over these 10 years was the ability to evolve our partnership within the ever changing market conditions based on mutual trust, respect and commitment to joint success. My sincere thanks go to the Shizen Energy Management together with all the best wishes for the future.

 

【About Shizen Energy Inc.】
Founded in June, 2011. With the company purpose of “We take action for the blue planet”, the company’s business includes development, financing, and asset management of renewable energy power plants using solar power, wind power, small-scale hydroelectric power, and biomass. Since 2016, the company has also been focusing on its overseas operations, expanding its development and power generation projects in areas such as Southeast Asia and Brazil. In 2019, the company also entered the energy tech business, offering micro-grid and VPP construction, smart charging and discharging services for EVs, and other services through its self-developed EMS (energy management system). Shizen Energy Group has been involved in more than 1 GW of renewable energy generation in Japan and overseas.

 ・Headquarters                    : Fukuoka Ohori Bldg. 1-1-6 Arato, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
 ・Representative Directors: Ken Isono, Kenji Kawado, Masaya Hasegawa
 ・URL                                     : http://www.shizenenergy.net/en/

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Ryo Ogawa, COO of Shizen International Inc. will be speaking at a seminar hosted by the Renewable Energy Institute https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2024/03/05/speak-at-seminar-by-reinstitute/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=speak-at-seminar-by-reinstitute Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:15 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=15276 Ryo Ogawa, COO of Shizen International Inc., a company in the Shizen Energy Group, will give a presentation on “Renewable Energy Development Initiatives in Asia-Pacific” at the “Energy Transition in APAC and Japan’s Role” Seminar hosted by the Renewable  Energy Institute.

The seminar will also discuss how countries in the Asia-Pacific region should cooperate and collaborate in the energy transition. Please register if you would like to attend.

 

Seminar “Energy Transition in APAC and Japan’s Role”
Presentation:  “Renewable Energy Development Initiatives in Asia-Pacific” 

date/time 

Friday, March 15, 2024, 14:00-16:30

venue 

Hall A, Toranomon Hills Forum 

presenter 

Ryo Ogawa 
COO, Shizen Inernational Inc. 

event details / registration 

Please see Renewable Energy Institute website 
https://www.renewable-ei.org/en/activities/events/20240315.php

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Director Kumiko Isono to speak at “REvision 2024” hosted by the Renewable Energy Institute https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2024/03/04/speak-at-revision2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=speak-at-revision2024 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 23:00:46 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=15265 Kumiko Isono, Director of Shizen Energy Inc. will speak at the session “Urban and Regional Sustainability and Renewables” at the international conference “REvision 2024 – The World is Moving Toward Tripling Renewable Energy” hosted by the Renewable Energy Institute.

In addition, the conference will bring together other international experts to present and discuss the latest trends in renewable energy and the expansion of offshore wind power generation. Please register if you would like to attend.

Session  “Urban and Regional Sustainability and Renewables”

date/time

March 14, 2024, afternoon session (starting at 13:30)
*International Conference: 10:00 – 17:30

venue

location: Main Hall, Toranomon Hills Forum
online: Zoom webinar

presenter 

Kumiko Isono
Director, Shizen Energy Inc.

event details / registration 

Please see Renewable Energy Institute website for details. 
https://www.renewable-ei.org/en/activities/events/20240314.php

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Shizen Connect completes one of Japan’s largest VPP demonstrations with EV charging and discharging https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2024/02/16/sc_ev_vpp_demo_complete24/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sc_ev_vpp_demo_complete24 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 02:00:26 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=15047 In January 2024, Shizen Connect Inc., a VPP*1 platform developer, conducted a VPP demonstration by remotely controlling 186 household EVs via EV charge/discharge (V2H) equipment as part of the “FY2023 Demonstration Project for Further Utilization of Distributed Energy Resources”(DER Aggregation Demonstration Project),  implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The scale of this demonstration is one of the largest VPP demonstrations using V2H equipment in Japan and one of the largest in the world *2.

The DER Aggregation Demonstration Project aims to provide regulating power and supply capability to the electricity market, electricity retailers, and power generation companies by aggregating DER (Distributed Energy Resources) such as storage batteries and EVs into VPPs, and Shizen Connect was selected in June 2023 *3.

Shizen Connect has so far demonstrated a comprehensive range of VPP controls, including all types of regulating power control in the balancing market using DER, DR*4 control as a dispatch instructed power source in the capacity market, and economic DR control for the purpose of reducing electricity procurement costs and alleviating supply-demand constraints for electricity retailers. In December 2023, Shizen Connect announced the implementation of a joint demonstration project with eight major electricity retailers in the field of low-voltage VPP using household storage batteries *5, as well as VPP control demonstrations using EV AC chargers *6, V2H equipment *7, and EcoCute.

In this demonstration, “Shizen Connect”, a proprietary aggregate energy management system developed by Shizen Connect, was used to remotely control 186 residential EVs via V2H equipment to verify the technology for economic DR control and control for the balancing market (Replacement Reserve for FIT). 

As a result, it was confirmed that the system can control charging and discharging of aggregated EVs with an accuracy of 90% of the indicated values in both economic DR control and control for the balancing market. In addition, by acquiring and analyzing actual data on communication status and parking time periods, Shizen Connect was able to gain useful knowledge for the future commercialization of VPP services utilizing EVs.

Shizen Connect is developing a VPP platform business based on the belief that in order to expand and promote the use of renewable energy, it is essential not only to develop renewable energy sources but also to establish a system that balances the supply and demand of renewable energy. Shizen Connect will continue to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society through the promotion of DER.

■Demonstration diagram


*1 Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a generic term for digital technology that collectively controls distributed power sources (power generation facilities, storage batteries, EVs, etc.) and demand facilities as if they were a single power plant.
*2 based on our research
*3 Shizen Energy selected for METI DER Aggregation Demonstration Project (June 26, 2023 press release) 
*4  Demand response (DR) is the process of changing the pattern of electricity demand by allowing consumers to manage their electricity use wisely. This helps to balance the supply and demand of electricity.
*5 Eight leading electricity retailers to conduct joint low-voltage VPP demonstration with Shizen Connect (December 5, 2023 press release) 
*6 Nitto Kogyo and Shizen Connect to conduct DR demonstration using OCPP-compliant EV chargers for VPP construction (February 6, 2024 press release)
*7 Shizen Connect selected for Tohoku Electric Power peak shaving and VPP demonstration project using EVs (December 1, 2023)

EMS “Shizen Connect”   https://www.se-digital.net/ (Japanese website) 
“Shizen Connect” is an aggregation energy management system (EMS).  It can provide individual control for storage batteries and EV chargers, control for microgrids connecting multiple buildings with their own private transmission lines, as well as control of VPPs for large scale energy resources. Individual control and VPP control tended to be separate, but Shizen Connect provides a one-stop service allowing energy resources to be used multi-purposefully, which also improves economic efficiency. The system can be adapted with any equipment supplier, allowing energy resources to be chosen freely without relying on a certain manufacturer.

Shizen Connect Inc. 
Head Office:  3F, 5-33-10 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Founded: October 2, 2023
Shareholder:  Shizen Energy Inc. 100% 
Representative Director: Munekazu Matsumura 
Business: VPP platform, energy management service, IoT equipment sales, etc.
URL: https://se-digital.net (Japanese only)

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Shizen Energy Group’s new Tokyo office “Tokyo Action Hub” is now fully up and running with Soil work and Overview Coffee on 1F https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2024/02/13/shizen-energy-groups-new-tokyo-office-tokyo-action-hub-is-now-fully-up-and-running-with-soil-work-and-overview-coffee-on-1f/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shizen-energy-groups-new-tokyo-office-tokyo-action-hub-is-now-fully-up-and-running-with-soil-work-and-overview-coffee-on-1f Tue, 13 Feb 2024 01:00:52 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=14986 Shizen Energy Inc. and the Shizen Energy Group relocated its Tokyo office to Nihonbashi in December 2023, and the building will be in full operation from Wednesday, February 14.

New office concept “Action Hub”
Shizen Energy positions its offices as “a place to deepen understanding of social and community issues and foster connections,” rather than “just a place to work. Shizen Energy calls its four offices in Japan “Action Hubs” because it wants them to be hubs where people can take action and work with people and the surrounding community to realize its purpose: “We take action for the blue planet.”

What’s going on at Tokyo Action Hub 1F
The first floor of the Tokyo Action Hub will be shared by the cooperative office “Soil work” and “Overview Coffee Nihonbashi”, which will open on February 14.

– About Soil work
Soil work is a cooperative community offering work stations and lounge space for people who wish to improve society not only through the growth of economic capital, but also by maximizing cultural and natural environmental capital. Soil work is not only based in urban centers such as Nihonbashi, but also in local (regional) and nature (ocean, mountain, river) locations where community members are connected, promoting the exchange of people and ideas “from urban centers to local and nature” and “from local to local”.

Various events are planned to create collaboration between the Soil work community and Shizen Energy Group crew members.

Soil work website:https://soilis.co/work/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/soil__work/

– About Overview Coffee
A specialty coffee roaster with a mission to contribute to soil restoration and climate change solutions. By rethinking the way coffee is grown and supporting regenerative organic farming that respects the health of the soil, Overview Coffee is helping to protect the environment and ecosystems while contributing to climate change solutions.

The Nihonbashi Coffee Stand will be Overview Coffee’s first coffee stand in Tokyo and will be a take-out shop. A full range of espresso drinks and hand-drip coffees will be available.

Overview Coffee website:https://overviewcoffee.jp/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/overviewcoffeejapan/

Shizen Energy will continue to use the Action Hub as a hub to create a variety of collaborations to help realize its purpose.

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Nitto Kogyo and Shizen Connect to conduct DR demonstration using OCPP-compliant EV chargers for VPP construction https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2024/02/06/nitto_sc_ocpp_evcharger/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nitto_sc_ocpp_evcharger Tue, 06 Feb 2024 01:00:50 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=14959 Nitto Kogyo Corporation (Nitto Kogyo) and Shizen Connect Inc. (Shizen Connect), a VPP*1 platform provider, will conduct a cloud-based remote control demonstration of Nitto Kogyo’s AC chargers for EVs, model name “Pit-2G series 4G communication model” in order to further expand the “Equipment Control Demand Response Service” platform that enables VPPs to address supply and demand constraints and reduce electricity procurement costs for electricity retailers.

This service utilizes “Shizen Connect”, an aggregate energy management system developed by Shizen Connect, to remotely control the charging and discharging of low-voltage energy devices such as residential storage batteries, thereby building a VPP and generating regulation power, while also contributing to the reduction of electricity procurement costs for electricity retailers.

In this demonstration, Nitto Kogyo’s “Pit-2G series 4G communication model”  AC charger, which complies with OCPP*2 regulations, an international standard communication protocol for remote management and control of EV chargers, will be connected to the “Shizen Connect” energy management system to perform demand response (DR)*3 by remotely controlling charging via the cloud to evaluate technical and economic feasibility.

“Shizen Connect” will be used as a platform to connect residential energy resource-related manufacturers and electricity retailers, and by expanding the number of participants on both sides, the economic benefits will increase synergistically. In the future, in addition to the use of residential storage batteries, Shizen Connect aims to add EV chargers and other residential energy resources as control targets and expand the adoption of this service by electricity retailers, aiming for the growth of this service and the resolution of social issues.

Equipment Control Demand Response Service diagram
■Demonstration Overview

Objective 

Verification of DR remote control technical feasibility using Nitto Kogyo’s AC charger

When

May 2024

Role of Nitto Kogyo

Provide demonstration environment including AC chargers, EVs, and demonstration site

Role of Shizen Connect

・DR planning and remote control implementation 

・Review the results of the demonstration 

・Overall coordination of the demonstration project 

*1 Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a generic term for digital technology that collectively controls distributed power sources (power generation facilities, storage batteries, EVs, etc.) and demand facilities as if they were a single power plant.

*2 Open Charge Point Protocol (OPCC) is an international communication standard for EV charging stations and network software companies. It enables authentication, remote monitoring and control of EV chargers.  

*3 Demand response (DR) is the process of changing the pattern of electricity demand by allowing consumers to manage their electricity use wisely. This helps to balance the supply and demand of electricity.

■AC charger “Pit-2G series”  
The Pit-2G is widely used for EV charging in corporate or industrial settings, where high durability and reliability are required, mainly for public and fleet use. The 4G communication model is known for its good connectivity, and is particularly good in operational scenarios that require certification billing and energy management, and can be connected with various service providers. JARI-certified products are also eligible for subsidies for the introduction of charging infrastructure under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

EMS Shizen Connect   https://www.se-digital.net/ (Japanese website) 
Shizen Connect is an aggregation energy management system (EMS).  It can provide individual control for storage batteries and EV chargers, control for microgrids connecting multiple buildings with their own private transmission lines, as well as control of VPPs for large scale energy resources. Individual control and VPP control tended to be separate, but Shizen Connect provides a one-stop service allowing energy resources to be used multi-purposefully, which also improves economic efficiency. The system can be adapted with any equipment supplier, allowing energy resources to be chosen freely without relying on a certain manufacturer.

Nitto Kogyo Corporation 
Headquarters: 2201 Kanihara, Nagakute-shi, Aichi
Business: The manufacture and sales of electric and mechanical equipment such as high-voltage power receiving equipment, panel boards, home panel boards, EV chargers, optical boxes, metal enclosures, plastic enclosures, system racks, breakers, switches, thermal management products, etc. Power generation and sales business.
URL: https://www.nito.co.jp/

Shizen Connect Inc. 
Head Office: 2-4-7 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Business: VPP platform, energy management services, IoT equipment sales, etc.
URL: https://se-digital.net (Japanese only) 

Contact information 
Regarding “Pit-2G series” AC chargers
Nitto Kogyo Corporation 
・For inquiries: ev.contactnet.mark@nito.co.jp
・EV charging solution website:  https://www.nito.co.jp/quick/evstand/  (Japanese) 

Regarding EMS Shizen Connect 
Shizen Connect Inc.
・Contact form: https://www.se-digital.net/contact/ (Japanese) 
・For media inquires: se-comm@shizenenergy.net

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Shizen International Inc. New Executive Structure https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2024/01/26/si_eo_structure_change_24/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=si_eo_structure_change_24 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 02:00:28 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=14898 Shizen International Inc., a subsidiary of Shizen Energy Inc. that promotes the development and operation of renewable energy power plants in Asia, Oceania and Latin America, announces a change in its executive structure effective January 1, 2024.

Since its establishment in 2020, Shizen International has been developing and operating renewable energy power plants, including solar power plants and wind power plants, in 12 countries and regions outside of Japan. With this change in executive structure, the company aims to further strengthen its operational foundation and expand its business.

Change in Executive Structure (effective January 1, 2024)

Name

New position 

Former position

Hiroki Koga

Representative Director

Representative Director  CEO

Oliver Senter

Director 

Director CFO

Uli Goeltenbott

Director CTO

Director CTO

Rei Ushikubo

CEO

Business Development Director

Ryo Ogawa

COO

COO

Michael Wright

CFO

Deputy CFO

【Biographies of Newly Appointed Executives】

Rei Ushikubo
Rei is the CEO of Shizen International leading on all Shizen Energy Group’s international projects. Rei joined Shizen in 2020. She started as the Country Manager in Thailand and established Shizen International (Thailand), leading the corporate PPA business with Aisin Group and Panasonic Group. After returning to Japan, she has been head of project development in Japan including the corporate PPA business and project execution for solar and wind. Prior to joining Shizen Energy Group, she has nine years of experience as an iron ore trader at Mitsubishi Corporation and four years of management experience at Dari K in the cacao and chocolate business. She received her Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). 

Michael Wright
Mike is the CFO of Shizen International and leads on finance matters for international projects with a focus on strengthening governance and information flows to enable better and more timely decisions on strategy, performance and investment. Mike joined Shizen in July 2023 as Deputy CFO for Shizen International.  Prior to joining Shizen, Mike was the Financial Controller for National Grid Ventures and National Grid Partners. He started his finance career at PwC London, working there for over 11 years as an auditor mainly for FTSE100 clients in the energy, utilities and mining sectors. Mike is a UK chartered accountant (FCA, ICAEW) and graduated from the University of Bristol in 2003 with a Masters in Chemistry.

*For the biographies of other executives, please see below.
https://www.shizeninternational.com/about-us/

 

【About Shizen International Inc.】
Established in September 2020. A subsidiary of Shizen Energy Inc. engaged in the development and asset management of international renewable energy power plants, primarily in Southeast Asia and Brazil.
 ・Headquarters: Fukuoka Ohori Bldg. 1-1-6 Arato, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka  
 ・Representative Director: Hiroki Koga
 ・URL: https://www.shizeninternational.com/

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Shizen Energy invests in EV solutions startup eMotion Fleet https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2024/01/09/se_invest_emotion_fleet/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=se_invest_emotion_fleet Tue, 09 Jan 2024 01:00:28 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=14709 Shizen Energy Inc. (Shizen Energy) is pleased to announce its investment in eMotion Fleet Inc.(eMotion Fleet), a Japanese EV solutions startup focused on the electrification and decarbonization of commercial vehicles in Japan and Asia.

Background of Investment
Shizen Energy has been developing and operating renewable energy power plants in Japan, Asia, and Brazil, including solar power plants and wind power plants, while also expanding its energy management business to utilize variable renewable energy and other forms of alternative energy more effectively. In recent years, Shizen Energy business has also expanded to creating carbon-free social infrastructure, including the decarbonization of transportation energy. In line with this, the company has pursued initiatives such as the establishment of a joint venture with Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd., and is initiating various demonstration projects including an EV community bus project in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture.

With this investment, Shizen Energy’s expertise in renewable energy and energy management and eMotion Fleet’s know-how and expertise based on its extensive experience in EV fleet implementation will complete the equation of “eMobility x Renewable Energy” and be combined to develop unique fleet electrification services for transportation and logistics infrastructure as well as the industrial sector.

eMotion Fleet’s Business and Strengths
eMotion Fleet was founded in 2023 by two founders with experience supporting large-scale electrification of commercial vehicles for one of Japan’s largest logistics companies, responsible for the last mile logistics in Japan. 

Leveraging the experience and knowledge of its founding members, eMotion Fleet will provide a one-stop service that maximizes customer value across a range of EV operation processes, including proposing multi-brand commercial EV solutions and implementing commercial EVs and charging infrastructure.

Future Collaboration
Shizen Energy and eMotion Fleet are already collaborating on a project to support the introduction of EV buses for public transport operators in Japan. In the future, the companies will promote the development of a one-stop service to support the implementation of EVs in the Asian region.

Shizen Energy flexibly responds to various needs to “take action for the blue planet” by providing development and operation of renewable energy power plants, supply of renewable energy through corporate PPAs, energy management, and various decarbonization services including the implementation of EVs.Together with partners, Shizen Energy aims to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible.

【About Shizen Energy Inc.】
Founded in June, 2011. With the company purpose of “We take action for the blue planet,” the company’s business includes development, financing, and asset management of renewable energy power plants using solar power, wind power, small-scale hydroelectric power, and biomass. Since 2016, the company has also been focusing on its international operations, expanding its development and power generation projects in areas such as Southeast Asia and Brazil. In 2019, the company also entered the energy tech business, offering micro-grid and VPP construction, smart charging and discharging services for EVs, and other services through its self-developed EMS (energy management system). Shizen Energy Group has been involved in more than 1 GW of renewable energy generation internationally.
 ・Headquarters: Fukuoka Ohori Bldg. 1-1-6 Arato, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka  
 ・Representative Directors: Ken Isono, Kenji Kawado, Masaya Hasegawa
 ・URL: https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/

【About eMOTION Fleet】
eMotion Fleet is a brand agnostic fleet electrification solution provider focused in Japan and Asia. Based on its extensive hands-on experience, eMotion Fleet acts as a professional expert group to offer one-stop service to support customers electrify their fleet and maximize fleet uptime, operation cost savings and carbon neutrality.
 ・Headquarters: Mizuma Bldg. 6F, 3-3-13 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
 ・Representative Directors: Shuji Shiraki, Dennis Ilic
 ・URL: https://www.emotion-fleet.com

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Shizen Energy donates to Japan Platform to those affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2024/01/05/donation_noto_earthquake_2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=donation_noto_earthquake_2024 Fri, 05 Jan 2024 04:00:31 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=14779 We would like to express our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

On behalf of the Shizen Energy Group, Shizen Energy Inc. has donated JPY 1 million to the non-profit organization Japan Platform to support those affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which occurred on 1 January 2024.

We sincerely hope that the affected areas will be able to recover as soon as possible.

Shizen Energy Group has developed renewable energy power plants in harmony with the local community in order to “Take Action for the Blue Planet”. There are solar power plants owned, maintained and operated by our group in the areas affected by the earthquake, sowe will continue to offer necessary support for the restoration and reconstruction of the areas in cooperation with local governments and partners, following on from this donation.

■Donation Recipient
Japan Platform
https://www.japanplatform.org/index.html

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Winter holiday office closure https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2023/12/27/winter-holiday-office-closure/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winter-holiday-office-closure Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:00:27 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=14735 We at Shizen Energy Group thank you for your continued support and patronage.
Our offices will be closed from December 28th to January 3rd.

The following O&M services will be provided by JUWI Shizen Energy Operation during the winter holidays:

  • monitoring of the operational status of each power plant
  • emergency response at each power plant
  • support for curtailment instructions from utility companies

In the event of an emergency, such as a communication from the utility company or chief electrical engineer, please contact the Remote Monitoring Center at the phone number or e-mail address we have provided in advance.

For other inquiries received during the holiday period, we will reply from Thursday, January 4th onwards.

We appreciate your understanding.

 

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Eight leading electricity retailers to conduct joint low-voltage VPP demonstration with Shizen Connect https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2023/12/05/dr_support_demo_8_retailers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dr_support_demo_8_retailers Tue, 05 Dec 2023 02:00:46 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=14752 Shizen Connect Inc., a VPP platform developer that provides “Equipment Control Demand Response Service,” a low-voltage VPP*1 operation service, together with storage battery companies such as Omron Social Solutions Co. Ltd., Smart Solar Corporation, and Nichicon Corporation, will begin a demonstration using this service with 8 major electricity retailers, with the aim of commercial launch in the summer of 2024. The participating electricity retailers are ENEOS Corporation, Shikoku Electric Power Co.,Inc., The Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc., TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc., Toho Gas Co., Ltd., Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc., Hokuriku Electric Power Company, and Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc.

This service utilizes Shizen Connect’s energy management system “Shizen Connect” to remotely control the charging and discharging of low-voltage energy equipment such as residential storage batteries, thereby creating a virtual power plant (VPP) that will generate reserves to help electricity retailers reduce their electricity procurement costs. 

This service will provide control that will reduce the cost of purchasing electricity from the wholesale market for electricity retailers as of November 2023 and capacity payments starting in FY2024, as well as control to alleviate supply and demand constraints in the event of grid stress, as requested by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy. In the future, control for the capacity market and balancing market, which have already been demonstrated, and “reverse demand response”*2, which will mitigate renewable energy curtailment*3, are also planned for commercialization.

In addition to control from the “Shizen Box” edge computer*4 provided by Shizen Connect, control from remote control servers of storage battery manufacturers connected to the cloud is also possible. In this case, no additional installation of IoT devices on the low-voltage power equipment is necessary. 

As of November 2023, the storage battery manufacturers in this collaboration include companies such as OMRON SOCIAL SOLUTIONS Corporation, Smart Solar Corporation, and Nichicon Corporation, which together account for approximately 50% *5 of the domestic market share, and over 100,000 storage batteries are currently connected to the system *6. In the future, we plan to further increase the number of residential storage batteries connected to the system, and also expand to include other to low-voltage energy devices such as electric vehicles *7 and heat-pump electric water heaters (Eco-Cute).

This service is already being used commercially, and has been implemented for the “Storage Battery Option” of Tokyo Gas’s “Summer Energy Saving Campaign 2023” in July 2023 *8.

The economic and technical feasibility of the service is expected to be demonstrated starting in February 2024, with the aim of commercial deployment in the summer of 2024 at each of the electricity retailers described below (Table 1).

Table 1: Demonstration overview

Name 

Equipment Control DR demonstration Winter 2023

Objective 

Demonstration of the economic and technical feasibility of Shizen Connect’s Equipment Controlled DR Service for commercial introduction from July 2024

Demonstration duration *9

Part 1- Verification of economic and technical feasibility for standard control:

 February 2024 – March 2024

Part 2 – Verification considering reverse current and special control requirements:

 June 2024 – July 2024

Evaluation method

1. Simulation of cost savings (wholesale procurement cost reduction, capacity payment reduction)

2. Technical assessment (resource adaptability to control instructions to reduce wholesale procurement costs)

Role of Shizen Connect

・Control planning and control instructions

・Cost reduction simulation

・Verification of demonstration results

・Overall coordination of the demonstration experiment

Role of storage battery manufacturers

・Implementation of storage battery control using proprietary remote control system

Role of electricity retailers

・Provide control requirements

・Provide information necessary for cost reduction simulations

Shizen Connect will continue to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society together with leading companies in various fields.

*1 Virtual Power Plant (VPP) : A system that uses ICT to integrate and control multiple distributed energy resources as if they were a single power plant 
*2 reverse demand response: end users are incentivized to increase demand to help balance the grid during periods of excess renewable generation
*3 curtailment: deliberate reduction of output below what could have been produced in order to balance energy supply and demand or due to transmission constraints
*4 edge computer: IoT device installed near the equipment
*5 based on survey by monthly magazine Smart House and calculated by our company
*6 based on in-house research 
*7 Shizen Energy selected for METI DER Aggregation Demonstration Project
(June 16, 2023 press release) 
*8 Shizen Energy launches “Equipment Control Demand Response Service” for electricity retailers for supply and demand strain countermeasures and cost reduction
(May 15, 2023 press release) 
*9 each company will begin demonstrations in turn during this period.

EMS “Shizen Connect”   https://www.se-digital.net/ (japanese website) 
“Shizen Connect” is an aggregation energy management system (EMS).  It can provide  individual control for storage batteries and EV chargers, control for microgrids connecting multiple buildings with their own private transmission lines, as well as control of VPPs for large scale energy resources. Individual control and VPP control tended to be separate, but EMS “Shizen Connect” provides a one stop service allowing energy resources to be used with multi-purpose, which also improves economic efficiency. The system can be adapted with any equipment supplier, allowing energy resources to be chosen freely without relying on a certain manufacturer.

Shizen Connect Inc. 
Head Office:  3F, 5-33-10 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Founded: October 2, 2023
Shareholder:  Shizen Energy Inc. 100% 
Representative Director: Munekazu Matsumura 
Business: VPP platform, energy management service, IoT equipment sales, etc.
URL: https://se-digital.net (Japanese only)

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Shizen Energy Group relocates Tokyo Office https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2023/12/05/shizen-energy-group-relocates-tokyo-office/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shizen-energy-group-relocates-tokyo-office Mon, 04 Dec 2023 23:30:43 +0000 https://www.shizenenergy.net/?p=14585 Shizen Energy Group will relocate its Tokyo office on December 18, 2023 to accommodate its business expansion both domestically and internationally. The new office will provide a more comfortable working environment than ever before and will strive to create a place for active communication with people who share the Group’s purpose of “taking action for the blue planet.”

We look forward to welcoming you to our new office. 

Please note that in order to minimize our carbon footprint during our relocation, we would like to respectfully decline any flowers or gifts to our new office. 

address

Engo Building, 2-4-7 Nihonbashi-honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023
Google Map

3-minute walk from Mitsukoshimae station (Tokyo Metro)  
5-minute walk from Shin-nihonbashi station (JR Sobu Line) 

TEL

Shizen Energy Inc. 03-3868-3391
JUWI Shizen Energy Inc.  03-6262-7300 
JUWI Shizen Energy Operation Inc. 03-3868-0344
(phone numbers will remain the same except JUWI Shizen Energy Inc.) 

FAX

03-3868-2455
(FAX number will remain the same) 

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