Shizen Energy invests in community development startup NEWLOCAL
Shizen Energy Inc. (Shizen Energy) is pleased to announce that it has invested in NEWLOCAL Inc. (NEWLOCAL), a community development start-up.
■Background
Shizen Energy has been involved in the creation of more than 1 GW of renewable energy in seven countries around the world through its renewable energy power generation business, with the goal to “co-create a 100% renewable-powered planet,” based on the company’s PURPOSE of “taking action for the blue planet”.
In this process, Shizen Energy has come to the understanding that the sustainable growth of local communities is extremely important for the company to further expand the use of renewable energy. With the belief that “people” are the key to growth, Shizen Energy is involved in providing leadership development programs for local communities where its power plants are located and also for those who are interested in regional development.
Furthermore, Shizen Energy believes that not only “people” but also “towns” are essential for the development of local communities, and it plans to be even more involved in town and regional development in the future.
In an era of declining population, NEWLOCAL is a start-up company that aims to create a sustainable community model through community development centered on real estate development. Currently operating in three regions, Nozawaonsen and Miyota-machi, Nagano Prefecture, and Oga City, Akita Prefecture, the company aims to expand to 10 regions over the next five years.
Shizen Energy has decided to invest in NEWLOCAL with the aim of growing together with NEWLOCAL by leveraging its expertise in the creation of local development projects, town and regional development, and other areas of Japan and internationally where Shizen Energy is developing renewable energy power plants.
Ken Isono, Representative Director of Shizen Energy, commented on the investment, “The decline of regions (rural areas) due to population decrease is a problem not only in Japan, but also in developed countries around the world. In order to solve this problem, I believe it is necessary for regions to retain their own history and pride and create a future based on the three axes of the natural environment, culture, and business. Shizen Energy has connected with regions around the world in the 12 years since its establishment, and we look forward to working with NEWLOCAL to create even more value for the region.”
Shizen Energy will continue to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society together with its partners.
■Specific areas of collaboration
– Creation of local businesses in domestic and international regions where Shizen Energy operates
– Creating a community of entrepreneurs that creates a sustainable region
– Planning and development of Shizen Energy’s domestic and international offices and creating new ways of working and living
【About NEWLOCAL Inc.】
NEWLOCAL aims to realize a sustainable regional model in an era of declining population through community development centered on real estate development.
In areas where people have unique attractiveness and have the will and energy to act, we will work with local communities to bring together people, ideas, and funds to create new communities with speed, scale, and reproducibility.
・website: https://www.newlocal.co.jp/ (Japanese only)
・Headquarters: 401 SOIL Nihonbashi, 14-7 Nihonbashi Kobunacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Representative Director: Ryo Ishida
・Established: July 2022
・Business: Planning, development, management and consulting for construction, real estate and regional development / Consulting on community development and local revitalization / Establishment, management and operation of a regional development company
【About Shizen Energy Inc.】
Founded in June, 2011. With the company purpose of “We take action for the blue planet,” the company’s business includes development, financing, and asset management of renewable energy power plants using solar power, wind power, small-scale hydroelectric power, and biomass. Since 2016, the company has also been focusing on its international operations, expanding its development and power generation projects in areas such as Southeast Asia and Brazil. In 2019, the company also entered the energy tech business, offering micro-grid and VPP construction, smart charging and discharging services for EVs, and other services through its self-developed EMS (energy management system). Shizen Energy Group has been involved in more than 1 GW of renewable energy generation internationally.
・Headquarters: Fukuoka Ohori Bldg. 1-1-6 Arato, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
・Representative Directors: Ken Isono, Kenji Kawado, Masaya Hasegawa
・URL: https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/
