Seven & i Holdings is making a strategic entry into Japan’s electricity retail market, with plans to supply renewable energy to its 7-Eleven stores and other group outlets starting in April. According to Nikkei, the retail conglomerate has established a new subsidiary, capitalized at 400 million yen ($2.7 million), to oversee this venture.
The subsidiary will source renewable energy directly from producers, bypassing traditional utility providers. This approach aims to provide stable pricing and shield the company from market volatility. Mitsui & Co. Plant Systems will manage power supply and demand, ensuring efficient distribution to Seven & i’s extensive network of 23,000 stores, which consume 4 million megawatt-hours annually—representing 0.4% of Japan’s total electricity usage.
This move aligns with Japan’s national goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030, compared to 2013 levels, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Seven & i is committed to these targets, aiming to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Currently, renewable energy accounts for only 10% of Seven & i’s electricity consumption. The company plans to increase this to 40-45% by 2030 through its new subsidiary. Seven & i already sources power for about 400 stores from solar plants constructed by NTT Anode Energy and Hokuriku Electric Power.
As Japan’s energy market becomes more liberalized, other non-industry players, such as Tokyo Gas and Eneos Holdings, are also entering the renewable energy sector, contributing to the dynamic shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
