3 Japanese clean energy companies contributing to social good

Fighting climate change requires both drastic reform and individual action. We can do small things in our everyday lives such as avoiding disposable products and opting for reusable alternatives, including bottles and bags. However, consumers wanting to use renewable energy for their electricity needs might not know where to start.

In the Japanese context, the country’s energy market was deregulated in 2016. This means people potentially have far greater choices in their energy companies than they did before. The market share of various new energy providers has since increased from 5 to 15%. Japan’s market for renewable energy is steadily growing, and there are many companies that provide clean energy while contributing to social good.

Hummingbird Electric Power

Hummingbird Electric Power provides 100% renewable energy. Its services and activities have grown since it was started in 2007 by Borderless House, a Japanese sharehouse company aiming to provide a multicultural living experience. In 2020, Borderless House decided to expand its use of Hummingbird Electric Power to 59 of its locations in Japan. Individual consumers can donate 1% of their electricity bill to a social cause they’d like to support. Hummingbird Electric Power is also associated with 36 NPOs and NGOs that work on various social issues, including poverty and inequality.

Tera Energy

The focus on societal issues other than climate change is not unusual. Kyoto-based Tera Energy was established in 2018 by four Buddhist monks who were originally involved in suicide prevention activities. Their electricity is generated by 80% renewable energy. They currently serve the Tokyo, Kansai, Chugoku and Kyushu areas and are looking to expand nationwide.

While Tera was founded by Buddhists and pushes for Buddhist temples to switch to their services, it contracts with a variety of organizations. Tera donates 3.5% of its profits to temples, nonprofits and other social good organizations. Their website also has an extensive list of groups that customers can donate to, ranging from children’s education to supporting women. Tera Energy’s business and social activities are focused on combating isolation and creating a greater sense of community.

Minna Denryoku

Knowing where your service is coming from also helps build community, connection and appreciation. To that end, the energy company Minna Denryoku operates on the idea of “kao no mieru denryoku,” or energy that allows you to see someone’s face. Located in Tokyo, Minna Denryoku was established in 2011, sometime before Japan deregulated its energy market. Minna gets clean energy from local suppliers and posts their pictures and introductions on the company’s website.

Similar to Hummingbird Electric Power and Tera Energy, Minna also donates a portion of customer bills to support energy suppliers and local businesses. Customers also get access to special events, seminars and more. One of Minna’s notable activities is its Yoko Yoko Project, which connects Yokohama Town in Aomori Prefecture with the more well-known Yokohama City. Energy generated in Yokohama Town is used to meet the greater energy needs of Yokohama City.

Social issues are interconnected. The effects of climate change will certainly impact people’s safety, access to food, living areas and communities. While the future is uncertain, companies such as these are striving to create not only a greener planet but also a healthier society. Japan’s recent increase in clean energy companies gives people a chance to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the greater good.