Ricoh Group Introduces Region's Largest Mega Solar Carport at Tottori Production Base

Ricoh PFU Computing Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Junichiro Otani), which develops and manufactures industrial computer products, has introduced and begun operation of a 'Solar Carport' boasting a mega-class*1 power generation scale at the employee parking lot of its Tottori plant, as part of its initiatives toward a sustainable society.

The Ricoh Group has been working to both increase the usage rate of renewable energy and ensure its quality since joining 'RE100'*2 in April 2017, becoming the first Japanese company to do so. The group is expanding its use of renewable energy through on-site physical PPAs*3 that effectively utilize its own site space, and off-site virtual PPAs*4.

Based on this Ricoh Group policy, our company also considered introducing renewable energy at its production bases. For this installation, we chose a 'Solar Carport' that utilizes existing parking lot space to address challenges such as weight restrictions on building roofs and securing land for future expansion. By adopting the on-site PPA method, we have achieved a mega-class power generation scale that is rare nationwide for a carport type.

*1: Large-scale solar power generation equipment of 1,000 kW or more
*2: An abbreviation for 'Renewable Energy 100%,' an international initiative where companies declare they will 'replace 100% of the energy consumed in their business activities with renewable energy'
*3: A contract form in which renewable energy electricity and environmental value (effects such as not emitting CO2) are purchased as a set from a power generator
*4: A contract method in which electricity itself is not purchased from the power generator, but only 'environmental value (certificates)' is traded virtually. This is a new form of renewable energy introduction that began in Japan in 2022, allowing procurement from distant power plants.

[Features and Effects of this Facility]

● Overwhelming CO2 Reduction Effect
With the operation of this facility, approximately 20% of the power consumption at the production base will be covered by solar energy. The total annual power generation (1,407 MWh) is equivalent to the electricity used by approximately 230 typical households. This is expected to result in an annual CO2 emission reduction of approximately 727 tons in the first year.

● Contribution to the Community During Disasters: Smartphone Charging Support
In the event of a power outage due to a disaster, the space under the carport will be opened to nearby residents as a temporary evacuation shelter. It also functions as a 'disaster prevention base,' using power stored in storage batteries to support nearby residents in charging their smartphones and securing means of communication during emergencies.

● Employee Safety and Engagement
The installation of the large-scale carport is expected to improve safety when moving from the parking lot to the factory during rain or snow. It is also expected to significantly improve daily convenience, such as suppressing the rise in car interior temperature due to the intense summer sun. We believe that such improvements in the working environment will also lead to higher employee engagement.

As a company that supports the industrial world with cutting-edge computer technology, Ricoh PFU Computing will continue to pursue both advanced manufacturing and energy reduction at its production bases while staying close to the local community, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society as aimed for by the SDGs.

[Facility Overview]
Installation Location: Ricoh PFU Computing Co., Ltd. Tottori Plant, Employee Parking Lot
Installation Capacity: Mega-class (approx. 1.2 MW/year)
Estimated Annual CO2 Reduction: Approx. 727 tons/year *First-year estimate
Business Method: On-site PPA method