Gas and electricity supply, thermoelectric power supply (cogeneration), global warming countermeasures, promotion of biomass and other new fuels, gasification of lignite, an underutilized form of coal, and other environment-related activities.

The Energy Business Development Unit is engaged in the development of new business related to energy and seeks to seize opportunities spawned by changes brought about by electricity and city gas industry deregulation, the strengthening of global warming countermeasures, the run-up of fossil fuel prices and other significant changes in the business climate encompassing the energy industry.

Specific projects include an equity interest in Frontier Energy Niigata, which is operating the world's first stand-alone power station to burn petroleum coke, participation in an on-site power generation business in Japan in collaboration with the Machinery Group, commercializing fuel cells, biodiesel and bio-pellets in collaboration with the Business Innovation Group, commercializing ethanol in collaboration with the Chemicals Group as well as gasifying lignite, an underutilized form of coal.

The Energy Business Development Unit is engaged in the supply of electricity and heat energy utilizing its fuel supply function and other strengths and, at the same time, stepping up efforts for the opening of markets for new fuels and the planning and development of energy-related projects overseas.