Mazda is expanding its renewable energy strategy at two Japanese manufacturing facilities, introducing solar power generation and battery energy storage systems to reduce carbon emissions and support its goal of achieving carbon-neutral global production by 2035.
Mazda is taking another significant step towards decarbonising its global manufacturing operations, expanding its use of renewable energy through new solar power projects at the Miyoshi Plant and the upcoming Mazda KD Center in Japan. The initiatives form part of the company’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality across all its global manufacturing facilities by 2035.
The Japanese automaker is pursuing this ambitious objective through three main pillars: improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy, and introducing carbon-neutral fuels. By combining these approaches with cooperation from industrial partners, Mazda aims to reduce the environmental footprint of its production network while supporting the wider transition towards sustainable manufacturing.
Mazda Expands Solar Power Generation at Two Japanese Facilities
As part of the latest initiative, Mazda will extend the use of on-site power purchase agreements (PPAs) to the Miyoshi Plant and the Mazda KD Center, which is scheduled for completion in November.
At the Miyoshi Plant, ORIX Corporation will act as the power purchase agreement provider and install solar power generation equipment. The electricity produced will primarily be consumed directly at the facility, helping Mazda reduce its dependence on conventional energy sources.
An important element of the project is the integration of a battery energy storage system using new automotive lithium-ion batteries. Rather than allowing surplus solar electricity to go unused, the system will store excess energy for subsequent consumption. This approach will improve the utilisation of renewable electricity while helping the plant reduce peak electricity demand.
The project also demonstrates how battery technologies developed for the automotive industry can find applications beyond electric vehicles, supporting more efficient energy management in industrial environments.
Mazda KD Center Project Supports Renewable Energy Across the Supply Chain
A second solar power installation will be introduced at the Mazda KD Center, with ORIX again responsible for providing the solar generation equipment.
However, this project also introduces an additional dimension to Mazda’s renewable energy strategy: extending the environmental benefits beyond its own manufacturing operations.
Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of steel sheet products, will utilise the environmental value associated with surplus electricity generated at the facility. This arrangement is designed to encourage greater renewable energy consumption across the regional supply chain.
By involving companies operating at different stages of industrial production, Mazda is looking to create a broader renewable energy ecosystem in which the benefits of clean electricity extend beyond individual factories.
Collaboration at the Core of Mazda’s Carbon-Neutral Strategy
Mazda believes that achieving carbon neutrality requires more than technological improvements within its own manufacturing facilities. Cooperation between companies, energy providers and industrial partners will be essential to accelerating the transition towards more sustainable production.
Through partnerships with ORIX and Toyo Kohan, the automaker aims to demonstrate how different technologies and business models can work together to improve energy efficiency, increase renewable electricity utilisation and reduce industrial carbon emissions.
The initiatives also reflect Mazda’s ambition to contribute to regional economic development and strengthen industrial competitiveness while addressing environmental challenges.
Source: Mazda