15 July 2025

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (hereinafter, “Sumitomo Electric”)　has received an order for its redox flow batteries (hereinafter, "RF batteries") from Kashiwazaki IR Energy Co., Ltd.*¹ (hereinafter, “Kashiwazaki IR Energy”), as part of the city’s ongoing initiative to promote and utilize renewable energy. Construction officially began on July 10 following a Shinto-style groundbreaking ceremony held to pray for construction safety.

The ceremony was attended by numerous stakeholders and featured a traditional Shinto ritual to pray for the safety of the construction and all involved workers. Sumitomo Electric remains committed to prioritizing safety above all and ensuring smooth operations.
 

Kashiwazaki City has developed as a city for the petroleum and nuclear industries, significantly contributing to Japan’s energy policies. Looking towards the future, the city is working to transform itself into a decarbonized city by promoting and utilizing renewable energy. Sumitomo Electric is supporting the realization of a sustainable community through the energy storage and supply capabilities of our RF batteries.

This third order from Kashiwazaki IR Energy will bring the total capacity to 24,000 kWh, including two systems already constructed. These battery systems will contribute to local energy generation and consumption, as well as the promotion of renewable energy use and the enhancement of energy security. This is part of the crucial infrastructure to realize Kashiwazaki City’s goal of becoming a decarbonized city, through the effective utilization of renewable energy and the stable supply of electricity.

Specifically, during periods of excessive power supply from solar power generation, such as during the day, the RF batteries will be charged, and during peak demand periods for electricity, they will be discharged, maximizing the utilization of renewable energy in Kashiwazaki City and contributing to a stable power supply in the area. Additionally, by utilizing a large-capacity battery of 1,000 kW for 8 hours in combination with power trading on the wholesale electricity market, the RF batteries will also contribute to cost reduction.

Sumitomo Electric will continue to focus on the promotion of our safe, flame-retardant, recyclable, reusable, and environmentally-friendly RF batteries, thereby facilitating the local generation and consumption of energy and working toward the realization of a sustainable society.

＊1 About Kashiwazaki IR Energy Co., Ltd. 
Headquartered in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture, and led by President Masahiro Sakurai (also Mayor of Kashiwazaki), Kashiwazaki IR Energy Co., Ltd. is a municipal electricity provider funded by Kashiwazaki City and eight private companies. The company provides services related to energy supply and utilization.
https://kashiwazaki.de-power.co.jp/company/ (Website, Japanese version only.)

■Overview of the ordered equipment

■ Sumitomo Electric RF battery website
https://sumitomoelectric.com/products/flow-batteries

■ Sumitomo Electric Group Magazine "id” Vol.19
Supporting Renewable Energy—The Mission of Redox Flow Energy Storage Batteries
https://sumitomoelectric.com/id/project/v19/01