A floating offshore data center powered entirely by renewable energy began demonstration operations on March 25, 2026, at Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama Port, Japan. The project, led by Eurus Energy Holdings, Nippon Yusen, NTT Facilities, Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, and the City of Yokohama, features a containerized data center with solar panels and battery storage on a mini-float. Through this demonstration, the team will test the system’s operational stability, salt and vibration resistance, and energy management through fiscal 2026. They believe this model can help address rising power demands, construction costs, and disaster resilience in data center operations. The team had unveiled the plans in April 2025 (see 100% RE Powered Offshore Floating Green Data Center).
Metals miner Rio Tinto has partnered with the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments in Australia to secure the long-term future of its Boyne aluminum smelter in Gladstone. Under the agreement, the 2 governments will invest AUD 2 billion over a period of 10 years to support renewable energy and ensure the smelter remains internationally competitive. It will help extend operations beyond the current power contract to at least 2040. Rio Tinto says the deal complements its existing power purchase agreements (PPAs), including over 2.8 GW of renewable energy and 600 MW of storage in Queensland, and includes a 40% offtake from Lightsource bp’s Lower Wonga solar and battery project.
Boyne Smelters Limited, Australia’s second-largest aluminium smelter, employs around 1,000 people directly, forming part of Rio Tinto’s fully integrated aluminium production chain in Queensland that supports thousands of jobs. The deal, says Rito Tinto, contributes to the decarbonization of Queensland’s energy system.
Kyocera Corporation of Japan has signed its 1st physical PPA with Cosmo Eco Power, a subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings, effective March 3, 2026. Under the deal, Kyocera will receive electricity and environmental credits from the Nakaki Wind Farm, which has been operating since April 2021, to power its facilities. In addition, Cosmo Energy Solutions will start procuring electricity and environmental value from Kyocera’s solar power facilities starting in April 2026. Through this initiative, the 2 companies aim to strengthen mutual use of wind and solar energy, explore new applications including battery storage, and deepen collaboration to support a decarbonized society.
First Gen Group has begun construction of its maiden utility-scale solar project, the 54 MW Inara Solar Power Plant in Brgy. Bilog-bilog, Tanauan City, Batangas, the Philippines. The 36-hectare project, with room for future expansion to 100 MW and integration of battery storage, will also explore agrivoltaics. The project aims to strengthen Batangas Electric Cooperative II’s grid, supply electricity to the nearby First Philippine Industrial Park, and support growing local industries, stated First Gen. Targeted for completion by summer 2027, the Inara project is part of First Gen’s plan to expand its renewable capacity to 13 GW by 2030, aligning with national goals to increase the share of renewable energy in the national power mix.