Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group has partnered with Osaka Gas USA to puchase an equity interest in the Brighter Future Solar Farm in the United States. The solar photovoltaic project will provide 11 megawatts of clean power for Blue Ridge Energy in North Carolina, which will purchase the full output under a 25-year power purchase agreement.

The solar power plant is currently under construction by project developer Oriden, which is an MHI Group company. Following project completion, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America Inc. (MHIA) and Osaka Gas USA will manage its day-to-day operations.

MHI says the Brighter Future Solar investment establishes a new business model for MHI Group. Located in Pittsburgh, Oriden develops, constructs, finances, owns and operates renewable energy projects throughout the US. It is a full-service renewable energy developer funded by Mitsubishi Power Americas Inc., an industry leader in energy solutions including power generation.

"MHI Group and Osaka Gas have a long history of collaboration and partnership,“ says MHIA president and chief executive officer Yoshihiro Shiraiwa. "As we look toward the next few decades, we must work closely with new and existing partners to develop new business models that advance our goals for the energy transition. This partnership starts us on that path.“

Osaka USA president Tetsushi Ikuta adds: "Osaka Gas USA is pleased to partner with MHI Group on this project and hopes to expand our longstanding relationship through future collaboration. Through this investment, we look forward to providing low-cost clean energy to rate payers in North Carolina, while continuing our transition to a greener portfolio.“