Financing the Kurobegawa Electric Power Shin-Himekawa No. 6 Power Station Construction Project

The Kurobegawa Electric Power Company (headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; "Kuroden") was founded in 1923. Since then, Kuroden has been engaged in the integrated hydroelectric power business. The company is a leading wholesale supplier that specializes in hydroelectric power* in Japan. The former DBJ provided financial support to Kuroden to ensure a stable electric power supply.

Currently, Kuroden is undertaking the construction of the Shin-Himekawa No. 6 Power Station Construction Project, the largest in scale in Japan. The power station will be a 28,000 kW conduit-type power plant. A preliminary survey of the power plant site revealed the existence of complex geological features (e.g., slate that is finely fissured and serpentine with the risk of excessive displacement). In light of this, during construction work, Kajima Corporation (headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) and Komatsu Ltd. (headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) jointly developed a special tunnel excavator (the NATBM excavator), the first of its type to be used in Japan. DBJ is providing long-term business financing as construction capital for this project.

Hydropower is a stable power source in contrast with other types of renewable energy--solar and wind power. In the 2030 energy mix being promoted by Japan, hydropower will become a key base-load power source in Japan. DBJ, through its financial support of the Shin-Himekawa No. 6 Power Station Construction Project, will contribute to the introduction of additional renewable energy in Japan.

*Categorized as a power generation company under the Electricity Business Act.