Karatsu 50 MW Biomass Power Plant Begins Commercial Operation
On 27 September 2025, Karatsu Biomass Energy, a joint venture between Renova, Toho Gas, JA Mitsui Leasing (Tokyo), and Innocent (Miyakonojo, Miyazaki), officially commenced commercial operation of the Karatsu Biomass Power Plant in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture.
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Capacity: 49.9 MW
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Expected annual electricity generation: ~350 million kWh (enough to power ~110,000 households)
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Electricity sales: Under a PPA with Kyushu Electric Power Transmission & Distribution, incorporating the Feed-in Premium (FIP) mechanism.
Technical Details:
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Boiler: supplied by Andritz (Austria)
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Turbine: Siemens (Germany)
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EPC Services: Joint venture of Toyo Engineering & Nippon Steel Engineering
Fuel: Wood pellets and imported palm kernel shells (PKS), certified under the Green Gold Label (GGL), ensuring sustainability through the full chain from production to end-use.
Project LLC Investment Structure:
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Renova: 35% (with option to acquire an additional 16% from JA Mitsui Leasing post-completion)
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Toho Gas: 34%
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JA Mitsui Leasing: 16%
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Innocent: 15%
The Karatsu plant represents a major step forward in sustainable biomass energy development in Japan, contributing to emission reduction and enhanced energy security.
