Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has officially entered into a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with NIKE Japan Group, LLC, marking a significant step in the footwear giant’s transition to a carbon-free operational model in Japan.

Under the terms of the deal, Mitsui’s subsidiary, Mitsui & Co. Project Solutions, Ltd. (MPS), will supply Nike with Non-FIT Non-Fossil Certificates. These certificates represent the environmental value of electricity generated by a cluster of 16 solar power plants located within the TEPCO Power Grid service area.

Powering the “Swoosh” with Solar

The agreement covers a total capacity of 18 megawatts (MW). This portfolio includes 3 MW derived from entirely new solar projects and 15 MW from facilities that were recently established.

For Nike Japan, the impact is immediate and comprehensive. The renewable energy credits provided through this VPPA will allow the company to achieve 100% renewable energy usage across its entire domestic footprint, including:

• Logistics: All primary distribution centres
• Retail: Every Nike-branded store across the country
• Operations: All corporate office locations

[Source: Mitsui & Co, Ltd]