Tokyo Century, Higashi-Hiroshima City, and Higashi-Hiroshima Smart Energy Conclude "Cooperation Agreement for the Realization of Regional Decarbonization"

Tokyo Century Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koji Fujiwara; hereinafter referred to as "Tokyo Century") is pleased to announce that it has concluded a "Cooperation Agreement for the Realization of Regional Decarbonization" (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement") with Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture (Mayor: Hirotsugu Takagaki) and Higashi-Hiroshima Smart Energy Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; Representative Director: Kazunari Kawaguchi; hereinafter referred to as "HSE"), with the aim of realizing a decarbonized society in Higashi-Hiroshima City.

Background and Objectives of the Agreement Conclusion

Higashi-Hiroshima City, located in the central part of Hiroshima Prefecture, continues to develop as an international academic research city with a concentration of universities and research institutions, and was selected by the Ministry of the Environment as a "Leading Area for Decarbonization" in 2024. While promoting decarbonization of the entire city area, the city faces unique and complex challenges in urban decarbonization, such as "addressing the high-density living patterns characteristic of a student city" and "the strong energy demand from large-scale business establishments coupled with a decrease in suitable sites for renewable energy introduction."

HSE is a regional new power company established in February 2020 with the aim of promoting local production for local consumption of renewable energy and building a regional circular economy. HSE is promoting the resolution of regional issues through the supply of low-carbon electricity to city facilities and energy-saving projects. Furthermore, Tokyo Century will establish a new "Regional Co-creation Sales Department" from fiscal year 2025, and through collaboration with regional partner companies, has been supporting regional decarbonization and regional economic development by promoting the introduction of renewable energy and the spread of energy-saving equipment.

This time, by combining Higashi-Hiroshima City's "policy decision-making and provision of fields," HSE's "regionally-rooted energy supply capabilities," and Tokyo Century's "proposal capabilities and track record in decarbonization solutions," and through mutual cooperation among the three parties, the Agreement has been concluded with the objective of discussing the planning, examination, and feasibility of decarbonization projects in Higashi-Hiroshima City, and building a regional decarbonization model.

Main Cooperation Details

・ Based on this Agreement, the three parties will cooperate and collaborate on the following matters:

・ Understanding and analyzing decarbonization challenges in the city area, and organizing the progress of measures based on related plans and conducting necessary examinations.

・ Examining institutional design and consensus-building methods for expanding the introduction of renewable energy.

・ Examining support methods for promoting the spread of energy-saving and high-efficiency equipment.

・ Examining institutional design and demonstration related to bulk power reception systems and ESCO projects.

・ Examining mechanisms that contribute to affordable and stable electricity supply.

・ Examining public awareness and promotion of behavioral change among citizens and businesses.

【Comment from Mr. Hirotsugu Takagaki, Mayor of Higashi-Hiroshima City】