Japanese cosmetics company KOSÉ Corporation announced a plan to construct a factory in Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, utilizing CO2-free hydroelectric power. This marks the first instance in Japan where 100% hydroelectric power will be used for construction. The factory will also incorporate locally produced green hydrogen during its operational phase, with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality for the entire facility by 2040. To establish a local production and consumption energy model leveraging water resources, KOSÉ has signed a basic agreement with Yamanashi Prefecture and other stakeholders. The detailed design and construction will be undertaken by Kajima Corporation, with groundbreaking set for July.

On June 14th, KOSÉ, its manufacturing subsidiary KOSÉ Industries (located in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture), and Yamanashi Prefecture held a signing ceremony for the basic agreement in Tokyo, unveiling the project details.

During the construction phase, CO2-free electricity generated by prefectural hydroelectric power plants will be used. For operational electricity, the factory will rely on CO2-free power and solar energy. The thermal energy needed for operations will be supplied by hydrogen produced using renewable energy. Initially, about 10% of the thermal energy will come from hydrogen, with plans to increase this proportion as circumstances permit. The potential for on-site hydrogen production is also being considered.

The construction site covers an area of 111,525 square meters. In the first phase, a three-story steel-frame building with a total floor area of 39,300 square meters will be constructed, focusing on a wide range of skincare products. The investment is estimated between 25 to 30 billion yen. The factory aims to commence operations in the first half of 2026, with potential for expansion up to three phases in the future.

Kazutoshi Kobayashi, President of KOSÉ, remarked, "We are fortunate to have found a local hydro energy source that aligns with our carbon neutrality efforts. We appreciate Kajima's support in realizing construction with CO2-free electricity. We hope this kind of approach will become widespread." Yamanashi Prefecture Governor Kotaro Nagasaki expressed high expectations, stating, "This will be an advanced, high-value model factory that maximizes the use of locally generated energy." (2024/06/17)