Trinasolar International System Business Unit (ISBU), the division of Trina Solar Co., Ltd focused on utility-scale solar and storage projects, has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Equinix Inc., a global data centre operator. The contract covers the supply of electricity generated from the 30-megawatt Yufutsu Abira solar project located in HokkaidĹŤ, Japan.
The project is scheduled to commence operations in the third quarter of 2028. This marks the first corporate PPA signed by Trinasolar ISBU in Japan. The agreement represents a strategic milestone for the company, which is seeking to position itself as an independent power producer (IPP) in a changing Japanese energy market.
Meeting the rise in digital energy demand
Equinix, facing a continuous increase in electricity use driven by digital technology expansion, including artificial intelligence, is strengthening its renewable energy sourcing capacity. The agreement allows the company to provide clients with energy supply assurance aligned with their decarbonisation objectives for data centre operations.
Kuniko Ogawa, Managing Director and President of Equinix Japan, noted that this commitment enables the company to better anticipate energy challenges associated with the rapid growth of digital infrastructure. This is Equinix’s first renewable energy procurement agreement in Japan.
Strategic shift for Trinasolar ISBU
Historically active as a project developer, EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor, and maintenance operator (O&M), Trinasolar ISBU is transitioning toward a fully integrated energy supplier model. The unit is focusing on long-term industrial partnerships to strengthen its footprint in high-consumption Asian markets.
Feng Chen, Representative and Country Head of Trinasolar ISBU Japan, emphasised the strategic importance of this agreement for the company’s regional development. The deal with Equinix may pave the way for further opportunities with industrial players seeking energy transition solutions in Japan.
