JERA, JERA Cross launch decarbonization project for rice packaging in Japan

JERA Co. Inc. (JERA), JERA Cross Co. Inc. and Japan Pack Rice Oga Co. Ltd. have launched an initiative to advance energy transition in Akita Prefecture's food industry through the decarbonization of packaged rice production, JERA said Sept. 1.

The "Packaged Rice Project" aims to contribute to decarbonization efforts across the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors in Akita Prefecture and support sustainability, JERA added.

"JERA aims to help establish GX as a source of value for businesses and society, enabling sustainable products and services to be appropriately valued, supplied and consumed," the company said, referring to "green transformation" initiatives.

"Together, the three companies aim to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, lower-carbon food system while creating new environmental value through collaboration," the company added.

As a first step, JERA Cross started supplying 100% renewable electricity to Japan Pack Rice Oga's manufacturing facility in Oga City for use in the manufacturing process, JERA said.

Japan's agricultural sector faces the dual challenge of a declining farming population and growing expectations for low-carbon food production, JERA added.

As such, preserving agricultural infrastructure and passing it on sustainably to future generations will support producers while reducing emissions across the food chain, the company said.

Other decarbonization solutions

Meanwhile, the companies will continue exploring opportunities to expand the use of renewable energy and enhance the environmental value generated by the "Packaged Rice Project," JERA said.

JERA will contribute by planning initiatives and coordination among the participating parties, while JERA Cross will support implementation through renewable electricity supply and other tailored decarbonization solutions, the company added.

JERA Cross's mission is to "transform decarbonization from a cost into a source of value," providing end-to-end green transformation support ranging from decarbonization road maps and strategies to renewable energy supply, JERA said.

It includes solar PPAs, battery storage and aggregation for demand optimization and 24/7 carbon-free electricity through hourly matching, which matches generation and consumption on an hourly basis, the company added.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed J-credit Renewable Energy (Electricity) at $28.55/mtc on Aug. 31, down 2.36% month over month.