The facility ranks as one of largest dedicated biomass power plants in the country.
The 112 MW facility, one of the largest biomass-only power stations in the country, is operated by a joint venture comprising Sumitomo Corporation, Tokyo Gas, Hokuriku Electric Power Company, and Sumitomo Corporation Tohoku.
The plant is expected to produce approximately 800,000 MWh of electricity per year, sufficient to supply around 260,000 average households annually. It will deliver a reliable, long-term source of renewable energy to the Tohoku region.
Fuel for the plant consists entirely of wood-based biomass, including pellets and chips derived from forest thinning, sawmill residues, and lower-grade timber generated through sustainable forest management practices. All biomass materials are sourced from forests holding recognised international certification.
Sumitomo Corporation oversees the fuel supply chain, maintaining complete traceability and ensuring responsible resource utilisation from forest to plant.
The project supports Japan's broader transition toward greater use of renewable energy sources and contributes to national carbon-neutrality goals.
Through its group-wide climate initiatives, Sumitomo Corporation is working to reach net-zero emissions across its operations by 2050. As of March 2025, the company's equity share in renewable generation capacity stood at about 2 GW worldwide.
The Tokyo Gas Group, guided by its 'Compass 2030' management plan, is also pursuing a net-zero target.
The start of operations at Sendai Port strengthens the role of sustainably sourced biomass in Japan's power mix and demonstrates continued private-sector investment in large-scale renewable infrastructure.
