Marubeni Corporation

Strengthening Digital SCM Services:Launch of SCM and Advanced Business Management Solutions (Mo9)   Summary： In order to strengthen the Digital SCM Services* that Marubeni has been providing, Marubeni and o9, a U.S.-based company with which Marubeni has signed a strategic partnership agreement, jointly developed and started providing the “SCM and Management Improvement Solution”.   Going Forward： Marubeni will continue to contribute to SCM reforms and the improvement of global competitiveness for a wide range of client companies and industries through its “Digital SCM Services,” including Mo9. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g97QjvFw Click here for information on Marubeni's IT Solutions Division: https://lnkd.in/gGaYwmsy #Marubeni

Summary: Marubeni has made an investment in Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd., a company engaged in research and development aimed at realizing fusion energy. Fusion is an energy-generating reaction that occurs when the nuclei of light atoms, such as hydrogen, combine to form the nucleus of a heavier atom. The energy produced by the sun is also generated through fusion reactions. Fusion energy is expected to be a next-generation energy source that can achieve a decarbonized society and ensure stable energy supply as it does not emit carbon dioxide during the power generation process and the fuel, contained in seawater, is virtually inexhaustible.   Going Forward: Through this investment, Marubeni aims to collaborate with Kyoto Fusioneering and other stakeholders to create a fusion energy industry, thereby contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society and stable energy supply. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gHCgH3cA Click here for information on Marubeni's Energy Division: https://lnkd.in/gesFNmqV #Marubeni  

Summary: The 18 member companies of the Tire Denchi® Project, including Renaisis Co., Ltd. (CEO: Sadayoshi Yamasaki, Head Office: Miyaki-cho, Miyaki-gun, Saga Prefecture), have been working on the development of the world’s first next-generation storage battery, “Tire Denchi®,” which is made from recycled End-of-Life Tires (hereinafter, “ELTs”), with the aim of realizing a sustainable society. After 12 years of refinement since its invention, we are pleased to announce that we will begin demonstration testing of a stationary product (streetlight) equipped with the Tire Denchi®.   <What is Tire Denchi®?> Our storage battery, named “Tire Denchi®,” is made from ELTs and was developed to respond to the need to reduce the industry’s environmental impact through both the reuse of ELTs and the use of ionic raw materials obtained from general-purpose resources. Pyrolyzed*1 ELTs are used as raw materials for the positive- and negative-electrode active material as well as the electrical conducting material of the storage battery, and these extracted materials are then combined with ionic raw materials derived from natural substances such as eggshells to produce the Tire Denchi®. Another notable feature is that the battery’s production does not require scarce resources such as rare metals, which are typically used in storage batteries, and the gas and light oil extracted from the pyrolysis of ELTs are reused for the pyrolysis process. Based on our assessment of the performance of the Tire Denchi® at its current stage, we are able to produce Tire Denchi® that can meet the electricity needs of 42 homes*2 from 10 tons of ELTs. With future improvements and development, we plan to increase the capacity of the Tire Denchi® and further increase the yield.   *1 The rubber is converted into oil by heating in an oxygen-free condition *2 Calculated based on 10kWh per household   Going Forward: In Japan, approximately 1 million tons of ELTs are generated annually, and by utilizing 100 thousand tons of ELTs as raw materials for Tire Denchi®, we aim to create a resource-circulating society. In addition, by combining Tire Denchi® with renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydroelectric, wind, and biomass power generation sources, we will contribute to the further spread of renewable energy. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gRKCkP3M Click here for information on Marubeni's Lifestyle Division: https://lnkd.in/gHsfwvUA #Marubeni

Investment in AquaGreen Holding ApS of the Kingdom of Denmark   Summary: Marubeni has agreed to acquire shares through a third-party allotment in AquaGreen Holding ApS, a Danish company with technology that can dry and pyrolyze wet biomass, such as sewage sludge generated during wastewater treatment, to produce biochar.   Among sewage sludge treatment technologies, drying and pyrolysis is a promising technique that can facilitate the removal of harmful substances such as PFAS, microplastics, and heavy metals contained in sewage sludge while reducing GHG emissions by fixing carbon in the biochar produced in the drying and pyrolysis process. However, this technique has not been widely used due to the high moisture content and low calorific value of sewage sludge and the requirement for auxiliary fuel, leading to low cost efficiency. AquaGreen is the first company in the world to successfully develop and commercialize technology that enables drying and pyrolysis using only the calories of sewage sludge without the need for auxiliary fuel, thereby achieving a reduction in GHG emissions of approximately 80% as well as significant reductions in operating costs when compared to conventional sewage sludge disposal. AquaGreen has already begun sales in Europe, including Northern Europe, where it has a track record of delivering its technologies. Now, Marubeni will support sales promotion for AquaGreen technologies mainly in Japan, Asia, and Oceania, aiming for their widespread dissemination as an alternative to conventional sewage sludge disposal.   Going Forward: Marubeni has many years of experience in water supply and wastewater management projects in Portugal, Philippines, and Chile; seawater desalination projects in Saudi Arabia and Chile; and water recycling projects in South Africa, providing water services to a total of approximately 16.6 million people around the world. To complement its knowhow cultivated in the water business, Marubeni will now also participate in the sewage sludge treatment field through its involvement with AquaGreen, with the aim of providing an even greater range of water services while contributing to the resolution of societal challenges such as environmental issues and decarbonization. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjwmTb4A Click here for information on Marubeni's Infrastructure Project Division: https://lnkd.in/gMKTZ5fi #Marubeni    

Announcement of New Marubeni Social Contribution Activities Policy   The Marubeni Group has established a new Social Contribution Activities Policy. The new policy aims to facilitate sharing of the tangible and intangible assets Marubeni has gained through its corporate activities as well as greater contributions by the company to give back to society. In line with this policy, our social contribution activities will be reorganized around the three pillars of “Culture & Tradition,” “Community & Society,” and “Nature & Environment,” in addition to “Disaster Recovery & Humanitarian Aid.” Various challenges are emerging around the world, accompanying accelerating changes in social conditions and the natural environment. In the spirit of our company creed of “Fairness, Innovation and Harmony,” the Marubeni Group is committed to actively implementing social contribution activities toward the resolution of these challenges. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gSav2Uvk #Marubeni

Marubeni and Mizuho Leasing Fund 300 Million USD as the Second Tranche of a 500 Million USD Equity Commitment in Aircastle   Summary: Marubeni and Mizuho Leasing Company, Limited have funded 300 million USD as the second tranche of a 500 million USD commitment as additional common shares in Aircastle Limited, based on a definitive subscription agreement executed in July 2023. Funding for the first tranche of 200 million USD was completed in July 2023. Aircastle will continue to contribute to the sustainable growth of the aviation industry by providing financial support to airlines, including through the leasing of the most fuel-efficient low emissions aircraft, and will use these funds for general corporate purposes, especially aircraft acquisition for business growth.   Going Forward: Since its initial investment in Aircastle in 2013, Marubeni, as Aircastle��s largest shareholder, has been providing continuous support for its business growth, including dispatchments of management personnel. In addition, following their joint acquisition of Aircastle in 2020, Marubeni and Mizuho Leasing have engaged in increasingly proactive support measures, such as the establishment of a revolving credit facility by the shareholder group and equity support. Marubeni and Mizuho Leasing will seek to enhance the operating base of Aircastle, a core business in Marubeni’s finance and leasing operations and Mizuho Leasing’s aviation operations, respectively. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gg-pscWa Click here for information on Marubeni’s Finance, Leasing & Real Estate Business Division: https://lnkd.in/g4gdEYbc #Marubeni

Here at Marubeni HQ in Tokyo, summer has arrived, and for many children (and the young at heart!) in Japan, this means insect-spotting season is finally here. While you can see various insects throughout the year amongst the greenery at our head office building, here are some small visitors we’ve had this spring and early summer.  

Procurement and Sale of Non-FIT Solar Power Plants   Summary: Marubeni has signed an agreement to sell 400 Non-FIT solar power plants (approximately 40MW) in bulk to a joint venture company in which it invested with SMFL MIRAI Partners Co., Ltd., a strategic subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd., and Smart Energy Co., Ltd.   Going Forward: Marubeni aims to increase the liquidity of transactions by integrating and distributing small to medium-scale Non-FIT solar power plants, thereby promoting the early introduction of additional renewable energy. In this project, Marubeni will procure 400 power plants (approximately 40MW) by fiscal year 2024 and sell them in bulk to the joint venture company. Smart Energy will be responsible for the maintenance and management (O&M) of the power plants and asset management, while the joint venture company will supply green electricity to domestic power consumers through corporate PPAs. The 6th Strategic Energy Plan announced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan sets a target of 103.5-117.6 GW for cumulative solar power installation by 2030, with a focus on introducing Non-FIT solar power plants with additionality. As strategic partners, the above three companies aim to realize the introduction of over 3,000 Non-FIT solar power plants (approximately 300MW) in the future. Since its participation in solar power-related businesses, Marubeni has been expanding its network for material procurement and construction both domestically and internationally. Through this project, Marubeni will contribute to accelerating the introduction of renewable energy in Japan and realizing a decarbonized society.   Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gKZiyz7s Click here for information on Marubeni’s Chemicals Division: https://lnkd.in/gK9HJVnY #Marubeni

Notice Regarding the Selection of Developers for the “Sazan Tosu Cross Park” Development Project: Development of a New Industrial Park Centered around GX and DX   Summary: Marubeni, TOKYU LAND CORPORATION, JDC CORPORATION together forming a consortium have been selected as the developers for the “Sazan Tosu Cross Park,” a new industrial park solicited by Tosu City in cooperation with Saga Prefecture. They announce that they have concluded a basic agreement with Tosu City.   Going Forward: The Consortium selected as the development operator will collaborate with Saga Prefecture and Tosu City to leverage the resources and diverse expertise in urban development accumulated by the comprehensive developer, general contractor, and trading company within the three participating companies. Their goal is to develop a next-generation industrial base aimed at solving societal issues and revitalizing the region. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gNhvfXwc Click here for information on Marubeni’s Finance, Leasing & Real Estate Business Division: https://lnkd.in/g4gdEYbc #Marubeni

Marubeni and Lithia & Driveway Make a Strategic Investment in Wheels, Partnering with Apollo Funds Summary: Wheels, a leading fleet management company in North America, announced that it received a significant minority investment from Marubeni and Lithia & Driveway. The strategic investment aligns Wheels with notable players in the mobility space as it continues to innovate, building upon its best-in-class product offerings to corporate clients. As the pioneer in fleet leasing and services, Wheels recognizes that the automotive industry is constantly evolving and welcomes the deep industry knowledge that Marubeni and Lithia collectively contribute to our business. Marubeni has a strong track record of investing in companies across the US automotive value chain, dating back to 1958. Current Marubeni portfolio companies in the mobility sector include businesses focused on consumer auto finance, refrigerated trailer rental & leasing, and short-term commercial vehicle rentals. As an investor in Wheels in partnership with Apollo-managed funds focused on origination platforms and asset-backed finance strategies, Marubeni is aligned with Apollo’s long-term vision for Wheels, and in addition to providing expertise in the automotive sector, Marubeni enables further access to diversified funding channels through its longstanding relationships in Japan. Lithia, as one of the largest dealership groups in the US, shares Wheels’ commitment to delivering valuable offerings across the vehicle lifecycle, from vehicle acquisition and financing to maintenance and repair. Shlomo Crandus, the CEO of Wheels, said, “We are excited to receive the backing of two highly sophisticated investors. Our clients are always at the heart of everything we do, and that will continue as we innovate and grow with Marubeni and Lithia. While Wheels operates as a fleet management company today, the legacy business began in 1939 from an auto dealership, so we have a deep appreciation for the world-class business that Lithia has built and its dedication to customer satisfaction. We look forward to the strategic partnership and collaborative thinking with both Marubeni and Lithia.” Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g_TkPej9 Click here for information on Marubeni’s Finance, Leasing & Real Estate Business Division : https://lnkd.in/g4gdEYbc Construction, Industrial Machinery & Mobility Division: https://lnkd.in/gg8_TVff #Marubeni