The MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD. Chitose Business Division of the MinebeaMitsumi Group has commenced the use of solar-generated electric power. particularly, it will power its semiconductor factory production activities. This is one of the first plants in Japan to tap renewable energy sources.

Established 40 years ago, the Chitose Factory is the MinebeaMitsumi Group’s largest semiconductor factory in Japan. Furthermore, it is the only semiconductor preprocessing factory in Hokkaido.

With the support of Japan Renewable Energy Corporation, five large-scale solar power generation systems will be installed in Hokkaido. The electric power generated at these five sites will be used for semiconductor manufacturing at the Chitose Factory through self-consignment. Thus, reducing both costs and CO₂ emissions.

Meanwhile, the company plans the peak electricity consumption of its Chitose factory to be fully supplied with solar power. Particularly, produced by the large-scale solar power generation systems, which will commence operation in sequence.

Sustainable Production

Once the systems have fully commenced operation, the five sites will generate approximately 16.7GWh of capacity in total. This will be the largest installation of solar power generation systems for a single demand location to have taken place in Hokkaido^*3, as well as the largest procurement within the MinebeaMitsumi Group. Most importantly, the expected greenhouse gas emissions reduction may reach approximately 9,029 t-CO2 per year. Additionally, World Kinect Corporation participated as an advisor in the planning and commencement of operations for this project.

Based on the Group’s Environmental Policy, MinebeaMitsumi is promoting a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by March 2031 compared with its March 2021 level. Finally, it aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

“To achieve these, we are considering taking various initiatives, including the introduction of solar power generation systems at our company’s bases around the world. At the same time, enhancing our initiatives on decarbonization and the reduction of environmental burden,” the company said in a statement.

The company said it wants to propel its corporate philosophy of contributing to the realization of a sustainable and eco-friendly society. Particularly, by providing better products in a timely, faster, and smarter manner.

“We will continue to strive to further expand the use of renewable energy and build a sustainable society,” the company said.