Key Facts
• December 11, 2025: President Kingo Hayashi interviewed at Chubu Electric headquarters in Nagoya.
• Hayashi states 2026 will be a year of bold selection and concentration for growth.
• Company plans to scrap some businesses, reviewing profitability and future potential.
• Current focus on global, real estate, water supply, and forestry new businesses.
• Rising costs due to inflation, yen depreciation, and interest rate hikes.
• Offshore wind power projects off Chiba and Akita coasts withdrawn in 2025 due to cost increases.
• Hayashi emphasizes continued commitment to offshore wind and decarbonization.
• Apology issued for improper contract at Hamaoka Nuclear Plant revealed in November 2025.
• Safety inspections for Hamaoka Units 3 and 4 ongoing, expected to finish by FY2026.
• No clear timeline set yet for nuclear plant restart.
• Decommissioning of Units 1 and 2 progressing with reactor dismantling, a first for commercial plants in Japan.
• Emphasis on safe, cost-effective decommissioning impacting nationwide nuclear phase-out.
Summary
Chubu Electric’s President Kingo Hayashi announced a strategic shift in 2026 toward focused growth by scrapping less viable businesses and enhancing new ventures in global, real estate, water, and forestry sectors. Despite cost pressures from inflation, currency depreciation, and interest rates, the company aims to strengthen its business structure. The firm withdrew from offshore wind power projects off Chiba and Akita due to rising construction costs but remains committed to decarbonization efforts. Hayashi apologized for the improper contract issue at the Hamaoka Nuclear Plant, stressing improved communication and governance. Safety inspections for the restart of Units 3 and 4 are underway, with no fixed restart date. Meanwhile, dismantling of Units 1 and 2 reactors is progressing, marking a pioneering step in Japan’s commercial nuclear decommissioning, with a focus on safety and cost efficiency that will influence future nationwide efforts.
