Switching All Plants to Renewable Energy
Yamaichi Metal Co., Ltd., an aluminum recycling company, is committed to achieving a sustainable society by switching the electricity for all our plants to renewable energy. We have built a scheme over approximately two years to purchase off-site generated renewable electricity through an “Offsite PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)” and have signed a basic agreement with Shizuoka Gas & Power Co., Ltd.
Typically, we will use renewable electricity generated by Shizuoka Gas Group’s solar power plants and aim for 100% renewable energy by purchasing non-fossil value from the market during bad weather. This is the first attempt of its kind in the aluminum recycling industry nationwide.
Achieving Net-Zero CO2 Emissions by 2026
By supplying renewable electricity to all plants by 2026, we expect to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 5,200 tons annually. Our goal is to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions for our plants, contributing to a sustainable society and enhancing the value of recycled aluminum.
What is Offsite PPA?
Offsite PPA is a self-consumption solar power generation model where a PPA provider (an entity responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of solar power equipment installed in remote locations) transmits electricity through a retail electricity provider, and the user purchases and uses that electricity.
The advantage of offsite PPA is that it allows for renewable energy procurement without the need to install generation facilities, thus reducing initial costs. However, the contract hurdles are high, and the companies implementing it are mainly large corporations. Since around 2021, we have had a vision for a decarbonization plan for self-generation, but challenges in equipment and cost could not be resolved, leading us to focus on the scheme initiated by the Shizuoka Gas Group.
We will continue to actively promote initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and achieving a sustainable society. Using this agreement as a stepping stone, we aim for further innovation and development, with all employees united in our efforts.
