The way we power our lives is changing. Electricity demand is once again on the rise, driven by the rapid growth of AI-enabled data centers and the electrification of factories, transport and many other sectors. Demand is expected to continue increasing over the medium to long term. At the same time, the deployment of renewable energy is accelerating as part of the global decarbonization effort.

However, solar and wind generation fluctuate depending on weather conditions. Because electricity systems must constantly remain in balance between supply and demand, mechanisms to manage this variability are essential. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) charge when electricity is abundant and discharge when it is needed most, providing the foundation for the stable use of renewable energy. For this reason, battery storage projects are being developed in many regions.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are social infrastructure. They are installed on local land and operated for decades. Site selection is not determined simply by the availability of land. It requires stable ground conditions, proximity to transmission networks, and the ability to accommodate large-scale equipment, among other technical requirements.

But technical criteria alone are not sufficient. BESS projects remain part of the local landscape for the long term. Issues such as the sound generated by cooling systems and the safe management of lithium-ion battery technology are directly relevant to the communities that host these projects. Compliance with legal and safety standards is a given. Beyond that, building understanding and trust with local communities is essential.

As more large-scale battery projects are planned, the need for community acceptance is growing. For us, community acceptance is not an afterthought. It is the foundation on which we are building a clean energy future.

Our approach

We approach community acceptance through four key commitments:

1.       Starting early
We engage with communities before a development application is proposed, taking the time to understand and respond to community inquiries and concerns.

2.       Listening and responding
We create and maintain feedback loops through our website, public meetings and community events, so questions can be raised and addressed quickly and openly. Engagement is ongoing throughout the life of the project.

3.       Independent assessments
We commission expert environmental and social impact studies to undertake rigorous assessments of risks and opportunities, and we incorporate these findings into project design and operation.

4.       Benefits sharing
Through our Powering Big Dreams initiative, we partner with communities to fund and support education and employment programs, social connectedness and environmental initiatives that create lasting benefits.

Engagement with Local Communities in Japan

We view the communities that host our battery storage projects not simply as locations, but as long-term partners. As infrastructure that operates for decades, battery projects require trust and mutual respect.

 As part of our efforts to build relationships with local communities, we entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement with Tokushima Prefecture aimed at contributing to the local community. Through this agreement, we are working together across a wide range of areas—including promotion of the “Tokushima Battery Valley Initiative,” regional revitalization, disaster preparedness, education and human resource development, and environmental conservation—to support sustainable community development and foster next-generation industries.

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In addition, through our participation in Business Challenge Messe TOKUSHIMA 2025, we engaged directly with companies, students, and local residents. We shared information about the role of battery storage facilities and our related initiatives, while also gaining firsthand insight into the strong level of interest that local communities have in energy-related issues. We believe that this kind of continued dialogue is also an important element in building long-term trust relationships.

We aim to be more than just a developer and operator. We take responsibility across the entire lifecycle of our projects and build long-term partnerships with the communities we serve.

By delivering safe, secure and reliable energy storage solutions, we are creating sustainable energy assets and advancing the clean energy transition—securing tomorrow’s energy, today.

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