Expansion of Solar Power Generation Facilities at Tochigi Site Accelerates Carbon Neutrality Initiatives

Solar panels installed on the rooftop of the distribution center at Hitachi GLS Tochigi Site (red frame indicates newly expanded section)

Expansion of Solar Power Generation Facilities at Tochigi Site

Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. (hereinafter, Hitachi GLS) is advancing environmental initiatives based on the 'Environmental Vision' and the long-term environmental goal 'Hitachi Environmental Innovation 2050' toward 2050, in alignment with Hitachi Group's management plan 'Inspire 2027,' which aims to realize a 'Harmonized Society' where environmental sustainability, human well-being, and economic growth coexist.

Recently, Hitachi GLS expanded its solar power generation facilities using the PPA (*1) model on the rooftop of the distribution center at its Tochigi site (Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture), which manufactures refrigerators and other products, and commenced operations on July 1. This expansion further accelerates efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality across the entire value chain and contributes to realizing a sustainable society.

(*1) PPA: 'Power Purchase Agreement' model, a business model where a PPA provider installs solar power generation equipment on a company's premises and the company purchases the generated electricity.

Initiatives Toward Carbon Neutrality

Hitachi GLS aims to achieve carbon neutrality at its factories and offices (own business sites) by fiscal year 2030 and has established a roadmap to reduce GHG (*2) emissions by approximately 75% by fiscal year 2027 compared to fiscal year 2019 (*3).

In this initiative, newly installed solar power generation equipment with a capacity of approximately 999 kW (*4) and an annual generation of approximately 1,690 MWh (*5) has been added to the distribution center rooftop at the Tochigi site, where solar facilities were already operational since December 2024. As a result, the total capacity of the rooftop facilities has reached approximately 1,998 kW, with annual generation of approximately 3,386 MWh—doubling the previous capacity and output. Combined with existing solar installations across the Tochigi site, the total generation capacity reaches approximately 3,392 kW, with annual generation of approximately 5,390 MWh, expected to reduce annual GHG emissions by approximately 2,400 tons (*6).

To date, Hitachi GLS has implemented various sustainability initiatives, including solar power installations at the Taga site (Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture) and Kanto Eco Recycling Co., Ltd. (Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture), procurement of renewable energy at its headquarters (Minato Ward, Tokyo), and introduction of electric forklifts at the Taga site. Moving forward, under its purpose of 'Enabling a life full of smiles for everyone. A kinder tomorrow for people and society. We deliver happiness worldwide through innovations that open the future,' Hitachi GLS will continue to contribute to solving social issues and achieving sustainable growth, aiming to realize a sustainable society.

(*2) GHG (Greenhouse Gas): Greenhouse gases. (*3) Targeting six sites with high GHG emissions. (*4) Based on PCS (Power Conditioning System) output. (*5) Company's own estimate based on simulation results at the time of installation. (*6) Calculated using emission factors published by Japan's Ministry of the Environment.

Initiatives within Hitachi's Connectivity Industries Sector

As part of Hitachi's Connectivity Industries (CI) Sector, Urban Solutions & Services Business Unit, Hitachi GLS is focusing on the next-generation solution suite 'HMAX for Buildings,' which combines rich data from product install bases (digitized assets) with domain knowledge and advanced AI. Through core offerings of 'Facility Services,' Hitachi GLS aims to maximize customer lifetime value and transform industries globally to realize a richer society.

Related Information

December 2024: Installation of solar power generation facilities on the rooftop of the distribution center at the Tochigi site

Hitachi GLS Purpose

Hitachi GLS Sustainability Website