Ant Digital Technologies and GCL Energy Technology signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly develop advanced power systems, green finance, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The companies will focus on the advancement of sustainable energy projects in distributed solar power stations, energy storage, and integrated energy services.

Combining Strengths in Technology and Energy Development

Ant Digital Technologies will apply its blockchain expertise to energy asset securitization and management, enhancing efficiency and transparency. Meanwhile, GCL Energy Technology will leverage its industrial capabilities in new energy project development, construction, and operational management. The companies will be working together on building, acquisition, and securitization of new energy assets such as solar power stations and systems.

AI and Blockchain for Efficient and Sustainable Efficiency

An important focus area of the collaboration will be to develop AI-driven applications suited for the new energy sectors.The companies intend to construct large-scale AI models related to energy generation forecasting, optimization of energy management, and intelligent operations. By bringing these technologies together, they aim to improve the global energy industry’s intelligence and sustainability.

GCL Energy Technology is one of the leading clean energy companies, providing rich experience in developing and managing renewable energy projects. The company offers comprehensive energy services, including clean energy production, storage, virtual power plants, charging, and computing power solutions. GCL’s installed capacity has increased to 5,976.36 MW by September 30, 2024; this represents a rapid increase of 57.81% from renewable sources.

Also read: GAIL Limited and AM Green BV Partner to Advance Sustainable Energy Solutions

Promoting Low-Carbon Development

Ant Digital Technologies and GCL Energy Technology have made a strong partnership by coming to an agreement to accelerate this transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy around the world. The firms believe that their combined force will propel the development of renewable energy solutions and even further integrate blockchain and AI technologies in the energy sectors.

Zhuoqun Bian, Vice President of Ant Group and President of Blockchain Business at Ant Digital Technologies, said, “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in advancing sustainable energy solutions. We hope our blockchain and AI technologies can better support the development of the real economy, especially in the new energy sector,”

A recent milestone was when GCL Energy Technology used blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies by Ant Digital Technologies for completing its first Real-World Asset (RWA) project, thus further accelerating the green energy solutions to be deployed in a world heading towards sustainability.

Japan is fast tracking its offshore wind energy programs to achieve decarbonization, awarding two major wind farm projects to chosen consortiums, according to Reuters.

As part of its third public auction round, the island nation’s industry and land ministries selected two consortiums to operate offshore wind farms. The projects awared are part of Japan’s efforts to decarbonize. The country intends to expand its renewable energy production under its 2050 carbon neutral strategy.

One consortium comprises JERA, Green Power Investment, and Tohoku Electric Power. They secured a 615 MW wind farm in the Japan Sea near Aomori Prefecture. The second consortium includes Marubeni, Kansai Electric Power, BP’s BP IOTA, Tokyo Gas, and Marutaka.

They will manage a 450 MW wind farm off Yamagata Prefecture’s coast near Yuza town. Both projects are expected to begin operations in June 2030.

Also read: Tokyo Metro and JERA Group Partner on Solar Virtual Power Purchase Agreement for Zero Emissions

Offshore Wind Targets

The government intends to finalize 10 GW of offshore wind deals by 2030 and 45 GW by 2040. Offshore wind energy forms part of the renewable energy plan of Japan.

The renewable energy plan of the island nation involves incorporating 50% renewables in its electricity mix by fiscal 2040.

But there are factors that act as a hindrance to the plan. Rising development costs, supply chain issues and inflation are among the hindering factors.

Collaborations for Renewable Energy Expertise

Recently, there is a trend that is growing in the offshore industry. The trend involves Japanese firms partnering with Western companies to gain offshore wind expertise. For instance, BP and JERA announced a partnership to create one of the world’s largest offshore wind operators.

Japan’s third tender round, conducted between January and July, reflects its commitment to expanding offshore wind capacity. Despite challenges, these projects strengthen Japan’s position in renewable energy development and contribute to global decarbonization goals.