Consumer Co-operative Co-op Sapporo (hereinafter Co-op Sapporo) is taking a new step towards realizing sustainable energy supply in Hokkaido by constructing up to approximately 200 off-site solar power plants within the prefecture and supplying the renewable energy generated at these plants to its stores.

An off-site solar power plant is a system where a power generation company installs solar power facilities at a location separate from the site where electricity is consumed, such as a store, and supplies the generated electricity to that location.Co-op Sapporo will use the electricity generated at its stores.

On May 31, 2024, Co-op Sapporo's Mizuho Power Plant in Rubeshibe Town, Kitami City, began operations as the first off-site solar power plant. As of September 23, 2024, a total of 33 power plants are supplying electricity to Co-op Sapporo stores.

Through this initiative, approximately 19 GWh per year, equivalent to 14.13% of the electricity used in store operations, can be self-supplied. By promoting the spread of locally produced renewable energy, this effort will increase the region's energy self-sufficiency and contribute to reducing environmental impact.

The development of the power plants was carried out with minimal environmental impact by efficiently utilizing unused land, such as abandoned farmland. Solar power is a clean energy source and plays a key role in reducing CO2 emissions.

When all the power plants are fully operational, an annual CO2 reduction of approximately 5,900 tons is expected. Additionally, by using renewable energy generated within Hokkaido, it becomes possible to secure a stable power supply that is not affected by international conditions, thereby improving the sustainability of energy.

Co-op Sapporo will continue to advance this initiative, with plans to have up to approximately 200 off-site solar power plants operational by September 2025.