Constantly Changing

The environment surrounding renewable energy in Japan is changing rapidly. While national policy aims to significantly increase the share of renewable energy to achieve decarbonization by 2050, this conflicts with the need to protect natural environments and rare species from development for business sites. The recent suspension of projects in Hokkaido's Kushiro Shitsugen due to mega-solar regulation ordinances and violations of forest development rules is fresh in our memory, highlighting the strong demand for coexistence with the natural environment and local residents.

Our company was founded in 2014, two years after Japan launched its FIT program (Feed-in Tariff, a fixed-price electricity purchase system initiated in 2012). The FIT program, initially offering an exceptionally high rate of 40 yen/kWh by global standards and backed by a 20-year government purchase guarantee, became a popular, secure investment target, leading to an explosive increase in solar power plants. Seeing this as a business opportunity, our company expanded operations, ultimately installing and selling approximately 800 power plants nationwide, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. The solar power plants we installed were low voltage (output under 50 kW), making them easy for operators to manage and attractive products for investors.

However, the FIT purchase price declined annually, and the scheme lost momentum as the public bore the cost through surcharges. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s declaration of "Carbon Neutrality by 2050," combined with electricity liberalization, accelerated the adoption of renewable energy beyond the FIT framework. Our company began selling solar power plants designed to function as factories producing electricity for new power companies to sell to consumers. Today, these solar power plants are referred to as non-FIT or non-FIT plants, contributing to the nation's decarbonization efforts. As we mark our 12th fiscal year since founding, we have continually adapted our business in response to changes in the surrounding environment and national policies. Starting with the sale of FIT power plants, we progressed to proposing non-FIT low-voltage power plants and self-consumption facilities. Currently, we are focusing our efforts on developing non-FIT high-voltage solar power plants and grid-connected storage batteries.

The entire UNIVA Group has also begun engaging more actively than ever in energy businesses. With the establishment of UNIVA Energy and the start of a joint venture with Fit Founder, the number of NAKAMA (partners) working on energy projects has increased. On October 1st, four sales members transferred from our company to UNIVA Energy. Additionally, Mr. Muneyuki and Mr. Ubatani, who previously served as directors of our company, have stepped down from those roles to focus entirely on UNIVA Energy. Replacing them, two members from our company (Shimada and Takeyama) and Mr. Hong from UOH Management Planning have joined, strengthening the management structure.

Amid this dynamic energy environment, we will leverage our strengths of agility and flexibility to strengthen our business and contribute to realizing a decarbonized society. We are excited to challenge new frontiers with fresh perspectives and new NAKAMA.

North Energy Co., Ltd.
President and CEO
Eisei Kosaka