Sojitz Corporation has made 2 critical investments that will contribute to Australia’s energy transition and transport efficiency.
Its investments in Australia’s Next Green Group and UGL Transport will allow Sojitz to leverage Australian expertise to build on its energy management and transport businesses. The Australian entities will also benefit from Sojitz’s significant presence in Asia and worldwide.
In early 2025, Sojitz also invested in Australian mechanical services contractor Climatech and public infrastructure developer and asset manager Capella Capital. These and other investments in Sojitz’s long history in Australia reflect the company’s deep confidence in the country.
Supporting Australia’s energy transition
Aiming to provide comprehensive energy solutions for building infrastructure, Sojitz made an investment in Australia’s Next Green Group (NGG). NGG is an energy retailer that also installs solar power systems and storage batteries at commercial and industrial sites such as shopping malls and retail centres. NGG’s strength lies in its ability to build integrated models for power generation retail, and energy management.
Through the investment, Sojitz will build an integrated energy solutions business in Australia. These include Ellis Air – an air conditioning and mechanical services company providing energy-efficient design and construction services – and Climatech, which operates under Ellis Air.
Multi-tenant sites in Australia such as shopping centres and high-rise buildings are increasingly adopting energy-efficient air conditioning systems to meet high environmental performance standards. Building developers and managers are also seeking to reduce power costs by installing behind-the-meter systems, which include integrated rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems.
Sojitz will integrate NGG’s capabilities with those of Ellis Air and Climatech to create an integrated energy solutions business that offers energy-efficient, cost-saving services. This will also support Australia’s ongoing energy transition to more sustainable energy sources.
Sojitz’s investment in NGG will allow Sojitz to build an integrated energy solutions business, supporting Australia’s ongoing energy transition. Pictured is an NGG solar installation for a large retailer in Canberra. Image courtesy of NGG.
Improving transport efficiency
Sojitz has also formed a strategic partnership with CIMIC Group. Under the partnership, Sojitz has acquired a 50% equity interest in UGL Transport, the transport division of UGL (a CIMIC company).
UGL Transport is an integrated transport services platform operating in Australia and New Zealand, Its revenue in 2025 was estimated at A$1.1 billion. Its capabilities include rolling stock manufacturing and servicing, network management, transport operations, and advanced signalling and communications systems.
The partnership is expected to drive further growth for both parties by leveraging Sojitz’s extensive rail expertise and networks across Asia. It will also enable UGL Transport to expand its service offerings. Sojitz will continue to pursue business expansion in Australia’s rapidly developing infrastructure sector.
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