Seven-Eleven Japan has announced a new partnership with Chugoku Electric Power to source renewable energy through a power purchase agreement (PPA). The agreement will cover 21 MW of solar capacity and a 140 kW hydropower project, with a combined estimated annual output of approximately 22.3 GWh. This deal marks an important step in the retailer’s energy transition.
The solar project, developed by ENEOS Renewable Energy and Adachi Honten, includes high-voltage assets, with the first plants already operational. These installations are expected to reach an estimated annual output of 21.5 GWh once fully commissioned. The hydroelectric production will come from the 140 kW Eikane Power Plant, located in Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture. This facility, which has been offline since the 2018 floods, is expected to generate about 800 MWh annually once fully operational.
Chugoku EPCO and Seven-Eleven’s First Hydro PPA
This agreement marks the first PPA for a hydroelectric plant for both Chugoku EPCO and Seven-Eleven. The hydro project, acquired by Meidensha Group (via its subsidiary EAML), is being repowered after the 2018 flood damage, with a full operational resumption expected by March 2027. The plant was certified under the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) scheme in 2022, and as part of the PPA, it will transition to the Feed-in-Premium (FIP) market-based scheme.
Further Progress in Seven-Eleven’s Sustainability Goals
This partnership is part of a broader strategy by Seven-Eleven to diversify its renewable energy sources. The retailer, a subsidiary of Seven & i Holdings, had already signed several solar PPAs with other energy providers, including Tokyo Gas and Hokuriku Electric Power. In 2024, Seven & i Holdings also established Seven & i Energy Management to streamline and increase renewable energy procurement for its stores.
This strategic approach to renewable energy sourcing is part of a wider trend among major Japanese companies seeking to secure long-term energy supplies and align with carbon reduction targets. The contractual terms of the PPA ensure Seven-Eleven a stable and predictable energy source for its operations while supporting the renewable energy sector.
