Eku Energy, the UK-based battery platform of Macquarie's Green Investment Group (GIG), has initiated the construction of its first energy storage project in Japan, a 30-megawatt (MW)/120-megawatt hour (MWh) system located in Miyazaki Prefecture.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held last week, included traditional Japanese rituals, as reported by the company on LinkedIn.
The Hirohara battery energy storage system (BESS) will be situated in Oaza Hirohara and will operate under a 20-year offtake contract with Tokyo Gas Co Ltd .
Under this agreement, Eku Energy will own the site while Tokyo Gas retains the operating rights for the duration of the contract. Eku Energy will also be responsible for all ongoing maintenance activities.
Expected to become operational in 2026, the battery system is designed to discharge electricity to supply approximately 63,000 homes for four hours.
The project is being financed through debt provided by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, with construction partners including Japanese engineering firm Kinden Corporation, Fortec Architects, and Looop Inc.
