KDDI Pioneers Domestic Convenience Store Sector with Groundbreaking Renewable Energy Sharing Initiative
Tokyo, Japan – August 8, 2025 – In a significant stride towards a more sustainable future for the retail sector, KDDI Corporation has announced the commencement of a pioneering demonstration project. This initiative marks the first instance within Japan’s convenience store industry to facilitate the sharing of electricity generated from multiple renewable energy sources across various Lawson Inc. store locations. The project, launched today, is set to explore innovative energy management strategies and contribute to a more efficient and environmentally conscious operational model.
The core of this groundbreaking demonstration lies in the strategic utilization of surplus renewable energy generated by solar power generation facilities installed at Lawson stores. This generated electricity will be shared with other Lawson stores within proximity, creating a localized energy network. This approach aims to optimize the consumption of renewable energy, reduce reliance on grid electricity, and ultimately lower the carbon footprint of participating Lawson outlets.
The demonstration project is a collaborative effort, leveraging KDDI’s expertise in digital transformation and network technologies to build and manage the infrastructure required for this inter-store energy sharing. Lawson Inc., a leading convenience store chain in Japan, provides the ideal testing ground for this initiative, with its extensive network of retail locations offering a diverse range of energy consumption patterns.
Key aspects of this initiative include:
- Multi-site Renewable Energy Utilization: The project moves beyond individual store-level solar generation by establishing a system where electricity can be dynamically transferred between multiple Lawson stores. This allows for greater flexibility in managing energy supply and demand.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: By sharing excess solar power, the initiative aims to maximize the utilization of clean energy, thereby reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be drawn from the conventional power grid. This contributes to a more efficient energy ecosystem.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: The increased reliance on self-generated renewable energy directly translates to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with KDDI and Lawson’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the broader goals of carbon neutrality.
- Technological Innovation: The project is expected to showcase the application of advanced IoT and communication technologies to monitor, manage, and facilitate the seamless transfer of electricity between participating stores.
This initiative represents a significant innovation within the domestic convenience store sector, setting a new precedent for how retail businesses can adopt and integrate renewable energy solutions. By demonstrating the practical feasibility of inter-store renewable energy sharing, KDDI and Lawson are paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally responsible future for convenience retail in Japan.
Further details regarding the specific technologies employed and the performance outcomes of this demonstration project are anticipated to be shared as the initiative progresses. This endeavor underscores KDDI’s ongoing commitment to leveraging its technological capabilities to foster sustainable development across various industries.
国内コンビニ業界初、ローソン店舗間で複数の再エネ設備の活用による電力シェア実証を開始
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KDDI published ‘国内コンビニ業界初、ローソン店舗間で複数の再エネ設備の活用による電力シェア実証を開始’ at 2025-08-08 02:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.