Kansai International Airport Advances Environmental Initiative with Asia's Largest Solar Power Plant Installation at Airport

The first project by joint investment company formed by DBJ and Solar Frontier

Osaka, April 23, 2013 - SF Solar Power, a new joint investment company formed by Solar Frontier and Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ), has reached an agreement with New Kansai International Airport Company, Ltd. to construct a solar project, KIX Megasolar, with capacity totaling 11.6 MW at Kansai International Airport.


New Kansai International Airport Company, Ltd., as part of its Smart Island Project, is working to utilize clean energy sources, including solar energy and hydrogen to realize an environmentally advanced airport. KIX Megasolar, which is part of this initiative, is scheduled to be the largest solar installation at any Asian airport. New Kansai International Airport Company, Ltd. will provide airport land and buildings that can be utilized effectively for the project, while Solar Frontier will provide CIS solar modules and operation & maintenance services, and DBJ will support financial structuring for the project. With this, the three companies will each play a role in promoting the spread of renewable energy in the Kansai area.

KIX Megasolar is the first project by SF Solar Power, a joint investment company by Solar Frontier and DBJ, which was announced in January. Solar Frontier holds a 60% stake in SF Solar Power, and DBJ holds 40%. After KIX Megasolar becomes operational, the companies are considering participation from a wide range of businesses, including local financial institutions that support renewable energy. KIX Megasolar is also the first project with investment and financing from DBJ's Competitiveness Innovation Fund.

The project will involve installing 72,000 CIS modules beside the airport's B runway (96,700 m2) and on cargo warehouse (23,000 m2). The annual output of the two installations is expected to be 12,000,000 kWh, equivalent to the electricity used by 4,100 households; it will also enable an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 4,000 tons. The installation work will begin midway through this year, with the aim of starting operations next January.

Looking ahead, New Kansai International Airport Company, DBJ, and Solar Frontier will continue collaborating to help promote sustainable, renewable energy sources with low environmental impact. The three companies will also work with a growing number of stakeholders to promote renewable energy, using Kansai International Airport as a model for environmentally advanced airports that bring together land, projects, and funding.

About New Kansai International Airport Company, Ltd.

New Kansai International Airport Company, Ltd. was formed in April 2012, in order to unify the operation of Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport). In July 2012, the company began the unified operation of both airports. Through such unified, efficient management of both airports and facilities for passengers, commerce, and cargo, the company works to contribute to growth in demand for airports in Japan, stronger international competitiveness, and economic revitalization. It also endeavors to protect and improve the environment around both airports. For more information, visit http://www.nkiac.co.jp/.

About Solar Frontier

Solar Frontier K.K., a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. (TYO:5002) ("Solar Frontier"), has a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions on Earth. Building on a legacy of work in solar energy since the 1970s, Solar Frontier today develops and manufactures CIS (denoting copper, indium, selenium) thin-film solar modules for customers in all sectors around the world. Solar Frontier's gigawatt-scale production facilities in Miyazaki, Japan, integrate compelling economical and ecological advantages into every module: from lower energy requirements in manufacturing to the higher overall output (kWh) of CIS in real operating conditions. Solar Frontier is headquartered in Tokyo, with offices in Europe, the U.S.A., and the Middle East. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

About Development Bank of Japan

Development Bank of Japan, Inc. (DBJ) is a joint-stock company established in October 2008, as the successor to the former Development Bank of Japan, which was formed by the merger of Japan Development Bank and Hokkaido-Tohoku Development Corporation. DBJ is a financial institution owned entirely by the Government of Japan. In March 2013, DBJ created the Competitiveness Fund, which supports initiatives to achieve innovation and enhance corporate value, by providing risk money through mezzanine loans and priority shares. In this way, DBJ promotes initiatives that lead to growth, by helping to realize potential capabilities within businesses through the opening up of new business frontiers and through strategic collaboration.

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