自然電力グループ

On November 29, 2019, Shizen Energy Inc. (Headquarters: Fukuoka-Shi, Fukuoka/ Representative Directors: Ken Isono, Kenji Kawado, Masaya Hasegawa, hereinafter Shizen Energy) issued Green Bonds to fund the development of photovoltaic power projects. This is the first Green Bond issued by a company headquartered in Kyushu. (*1)

■ Purpose and background of the issuance

A Green Bond is a bond to fund environment-friendly, green projects in Japan and overseas. (*2).
Since its establishment in 2011, Shizen Energy has engaged in power generation projects worth of 1GW of renewable energy including photovoltaic, wind and small hydroelectric power. Within this total amount, Shizen Energy has developed power plants with a value of approximately 700MW for photovoltaic power, 250MW for wind power and 0.2MW for small hydroelectric power in Japan and overseas. With its purpose to “take action for the blue planet”, Shizen Energy commits itself to building renewable energy power plants worldwide and in order to promote a lifestyle that relies on safe and sustainable electricity so that more people can continue to live happily on the planet. The issuance of the Green Bond contributes to the development and promotion of renewable energy power plants and aligns with our goal to construct a new system of the circulation of capital to reinvest in the future with leading players in each field.

■ Summary of the Green Bond

■ Eligibility for the Green Bond

With regard to the eligibility for the Green Bond, Shizen Energy has obtained the highest rating “Green1” from the Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR), a third-party evaluation agency.

With regard to the evaluation of “greenness” (use of proceeds), 100% of the proceeds are used for the development of photovoltaic power plants that fall under the category of “Renewable energy” as defined in the Green Bond principles and Green Bond Guidelines by the Ministry of the Environment. Further, because it is highly probable that the project will be completed and operated as planned, the project was evaluated as highly effective in terms of carbon reduction and environmental impact, as well as contributing to the following SDGs goals and targets.

	Goal 3: Good health and well-being
	Target 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination
	Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
	Target 7.2. By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
	Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
	Target 8.2. Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
	Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
	Target 9.1. Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all Target 9.4. By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
	Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
	Target 11.3. By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
	Goal 13: Climate action
	Target 13.1. Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Further, JCR evaluates that the management, operation, and transparency of Shizen Energy are appropriate, with the fact that the project selection and internal control in fund management is properly implemented and the contents of reporting is appropriate.

For details, please refer to JCR website.
Reference: 　https://www.jcr.co.jp/download/9534f09999a306f34ce193399018aa8c3aa7bbcf4b19a1df7a/19d0830_en-1.pdf

This project is subject to “FY2019 Subsidies for carbon reduction business (Green Bond issuance promotion platform support program)” stipulated by the Ministry of the Environment.

■ Notes
* 1 “First in Kyushu” and “First for Mizuho Bank” are according to an internal research by Shizen Energy. (As of November 29, 2019)
*2 Projects that contribute to environmental sustainability.