Developer

Total capacity of implemented projects

50 - 250 MW

Countries of projects presence

1

Rakuten is a Japanese company that operates in the online marketplace sector. Founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani, Rakuten has grown to become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world, with a presence in over 29 countries and regions. The company's mission is to empower people and society through innovation and entrepreneurship, and it has been at the forefront of the digital revolution, driving innovation in e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications.

In recent years, Rakuten has also been actively engaged in decarbonisation efforts, recognizing the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the global fight against climate change. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy in its operations.

One of the key ways in which Rakuten is working towards decarbonisation is through its corporate energy strategy. The company has implemented a range of measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption across its operations. For example, it has invested in energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems, and has implemented smart building management systems to optimize energy use.

In addition to these measures, Rakuten has also been exploring the use of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) to increase the use of renewable energy in its operations. PPAs are long-term contracts between a company and a renewable energy provider, which allow the company to purchase renewable energy at a fixed price over a set period of time. By entering into these agreements, Rakuten is able to support the development of new renewable energy projects and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

In 2019, Rakuten signed its first corporate PPA with a wind power project in Texas, USA. The agreement will see Rakuten purchase 50 MW of wind power from the project, which is expected to generate around 215,000 MWh of renewable energy per year. This is equivalent to the electricity consumption of around 23,000 households in Japan, and will help Rakuten to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by around 38,000 tons per year.

Rakuten has also been exploring the use of renewable energy in its data centers, which are a significant source of energy consumption for the company. In 2020, Rakuten announced plans to build a new data center in Japan that will be powered entirely by renewable energy. The company is also exploring the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to power its existing data centers.

In addition to its own operations, Rakuten is also working to promote decarbonisation across its supply chain. The company has set up a program to encourage its suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. This includes providing guidance on energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as offering financial incentives for suppliers that meet sustainability criteria.

Overall, Rakuten's commitment to decarbonisation and renewable energy is a key part of its broader mission to empower people and society through innovation and entrepreneurship. By investing in energy efficiency, corporate PPAs, and renewable energy, Rakuten is demonstrating its leadership in the fight against climate change and setting an example for other companies to follow.