HEXA Advances Oyabe Battery Project in Toyama, Japan After National Auction Win

The HEXA Oyabe Battery Energy Storage Facility, a grid-scale battery project under development in the Ishinada area of Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture, was awarded in the first round of the Long-Term Decarbonization Power Source Auction, a scheme introduced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in FY2023 to support the development of power sources that contribute to Japan's decarbonization goals.

Auction Award Anchors Hokuriku Storage Development

The facility, developed by Tokyo-headquartered HEXA Energy Services G.K., will have a grid connection capacity of 50 MWac. By charging when electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power is in surplus and discharging when electricity is in short supply, the facility aims to support the effective use of renewable energy and help stabilize electricity supply and demand in the Hokuriku region.

Groundbreaking Held Before Public Announcement

Before the project's public unveiling, HEXA held a groundbreaking ceremony at the project site on September 6, 2026. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the local community and Shirokuma Power Co., Ltd., the company responsible for the balance-of-plant EPC works, alongside HEXA. Attendees prayed for safety during construction and the smooth completion of the facility.

On the same day, HEXA attended as a guest the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ishinada Community Hall, an event organized by the Ishinada Neighborhood Association. HEXA expressed the hope that the hall will become a welcoming gathering place for members of the local community.

Oyabe City Hall Event Puts Project in the Spotlight

The formal announcement of the HEXA Oyabe Battery Energy Storage Facility took place at a joint press conference held with Oyabe City on October 8, 2026 at Oyabe City Hall. The event was attended by Mayor Morio Sakurai and Yoichiro Mizuta, CEO of HEXA. Mayor Sakurai spoke about the significance of the project and the city's expectations, referencing Oyabe's "Zero Carbon City" declaration made in December 2021. Mizuta then presented an overview of the project, its schedule, and HEXA's approach to safety and environmental considerations.

In a comment released at the announcement, Mizuta said: "With the understanding and support of Oyabe City and the local community, we are very pleased to announce the HEXA Oyabe Battery Energy Storage Facility together with Mayor Sakurai today. The facility will serve as important infrastructure supporting the further deployment of renewable energy and power grid stability in the Hokuriku region. With safety as our highest priority, we will steadily advance construction toward the start of operations in 2028 while maintaining close dialogue with the local community."

Commercial Operations Set for May 2028

Commercial operations at the facility are scheduled to commence in May 2028. In constructing and operating the site, HEXA stated it will prioritize safety by establishing multiple layers of safety measures and an operational management framework, while developing the facility with due consideration for the surrounding environment. The company committed to continuing its dialogue with Oyabe City and the local community as it aims to develop energy infrastructure in harmony with the region.

Oyabe Sits Within a Wider Auction Portfolio

The Oyabe project is one of 13 projects HEXA has been awarded in Japan's FY2023 and FY2025 Long-Term Decarbonization Power Source Auctions, including this project. In support of Japan's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the company said it will continue to focus on promoting the deployment of renewable energy and providing balancing capacity to the power grid.

Who Is HEXA Energy Services

HEXA Energy Services G.K. was established in April 2023 and is wholly owned by I Squared Capital, a U.S.-based infrastructure investment manager. The company invests in, develops, and operates renewable energy businesses, including grid-scale battery energy storage, with the stated aim of contributing to decarbonization and a sustainable energy supply.

Its head office is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, with Yuko Shah and Yoichiro Mizuta serving as executive managers. Project details as announced: the facility is named HEXA Oyabe Battery Energy Storage Facility, located in Ishinada, Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture, with a grid connection capacity of 50 MWac, scheduled commencement of operations in May 2028, and Shirokuma Power Co., Ltd. serving as EPC partner.