On the Introduction of an Offsite Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Utilizing Solar Power for AIN Group Pharmacies in the Kansai and Hokuriku2024/11/28
AIN Holdings Inc. (“AIN”) and JERA Co., Inc. (“JERA”) subsidiary JERA Cross Inc. (“JERA Cross”) hereby announce that they will begin, on 1 December 2024, introducing electricity to AIN Group pharmacies*1 in the Kansai and Hokuriku through an offsite corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) utilizing solar power.
An offsite corporate PPA is a mechanism through which an electricity producer provides a long-term supply of environmental value created at a solar power plant or similar facility sited somewhere other than on the premises of the electricity consumer.
Having now concluded an offsite corporate PPA with JERA Cross, the AIN Group will begin its first introduction of such a mechanism.
Going forward, there are plans to expand the introduction of offsite corporate PPAs to AIN Group pharmacies in the Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, and Chugoku. This initiative is expected to reduce CO2 emissions from electricity used by the AIN Group by around 1,000 t-CO2*2 annually.
Designated Pharmacies
• Kansai (85 locations)
• Hokuriku (26 locations)
The AIN Group has raised “identifying and reducing greenhouse gas emissions” as a key measure under its goal of “protecting the environment and reducing environmental impact,” a priority issue (materiality) specified in May 2021. To date, in addition to working to enhance information disclosure based on the TCFD recommendations,*3 the Group has pushed forward in implementing business strategies and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to address changes including the enactment of climate change-related policies and regulations. Through energy conservation and power-saving efforts, waste reduction, and switching to environmentally friendly products, the Group has worked to reduce its environmental footprint. Further strengthening such efforts, it will continue working to achieve a sustainable society.
The JERA Group aims to create new value by working together with its clients to develop solutions for the issues they face, providing corporate solution services that leverage its fuel- and power generation-related assets and expertise as well as digital technologies. In addition, as JERA works to achieve a decarbonized society, through JERA Cross it will design visions of clients’ future green transformations,*4 and formulate strategies for realizing them, provide end-to-end support from development to supply of the renewable energy that electricity decarbonization requires, and provide a stable supply of 24/7 carbon-free electricity,*5 thereby contributing to solving client issues, transforming client businesses, and reducing CO2 emissions.
Both companies, through initiatives such as reducing CO2 emissions at AIN Group pharmacies, will continue to contribute to achieving a decarbonized society.
*1 Some pharmacies are excluded.
*2 The expected reduction is a current estimate.
*3 The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) was established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) in accordance with the wishes of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors. In June 2017, it released its final report, Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures.
*4 The term “green transformation” (also styled “GX”) refers to the transformation of the entire economic and social system by transitioning from the fossil fuel-centered economic, social, and industrial structures in place since the industrial revolution to those centered on clean energy.
*5 “24/7 carbon-free energy” is a name for electricity that emits no CO2 twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. In accordance with the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry's "Guidelines for Retail Sales of Electricity," this means supplying 100% of electricity demand with zero-CO2 emission power sources, along with the environmental value derived from the use of non-fossil fuel certificates.