[Japan] Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Turboden will Deliver an Organic Rankine Cycle Power Generation System to the Meadow Lake Tribal Council in Saskatchewan, Canada

On February 10, 2020, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) subsidiary Turboden, a manufacturer based in Bersica, Italy that specializes in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems that produce electric and thermal power[1], announced that it would deliver an 8MW ORC power generation system to the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) in Saskatchewan, Canada. The system will be fueled by sawmill residual wood biomass.

MTLC is a tribal council representing nine First Nation band governments in Saskatchewan. Multiple native inhabitant groups reside in the tribal area which is located near Meadow Lake in the northwestern area of the province. The ORC system will be funded by both the Canadian federal government and the Saskatchewan government as a part of the MLTC’s local development program. Approximately 5,000 households in the region will be supplied with a total of 6.6 MW of carbon neutral baseload electricity. In addition to electricity, the heat generated by this system will be supplied to NorSask sawmill’s lumber dry kiln and buildings, which is expected to reduce natural gas consumption. The NorSask Sawmill is Canada’s largest sawmill.

Although it was originally established in 1980 by professors at the Polytechnic University of Milan, Turboden was acquired by MHI in 2013. In 2016, Turboden signed a contract with Daiichi Jitsugyo (Headquarter: Tokyo, Japan), a general machinery trading company[2], to promote the marketing of its products. Since then, Daiichi Jitsugyo has become its sales distributor in Japan.[3]

[1] https://www.turboden.com/company/1058/about-us

[2] https://www.djk.co.jp/company/outline.html

[3] https://www.mhi.com/jp/news/story/200210.html

[Japan] Chubu Electric Power Will Test Information Bank MINLY in Early March 2020 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture

Chubu Electric Power (Chuden), headquartered in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture[1], announced on February 17, 2020 that it will test a local information bank, MINLY, in early March 2020 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. MINLY will utilize Chuden customers’ personal data to improve their convenience and promote local economic development.

With the consent of the customers living in Toyota City or visiting the city, Chuden will consolidate, manage, and utilize their personal daily-life data (i.e. age, gender, interests or preferences and user behavior history). Customers will be offered personalized services and information that match their interests. This will include shopping information, coupons, and event information from 50 service providers and local retailers as well as approximately 25 Toyota city-owned public facilities operators. The test is supported by the Toyota City Connected Society Verification Promotion Council.

In order to launch MINLY, Chuden has obtained Information Bank P certification from the Information Technology Federation of Japan (ITrenmei, Headquarter: Tokyo)[2], which advocates for individual users’ privacy protections. As a next step, Chuden will acquire an Ordinary Certification from ITrenmei by demonstrating the project in Toyota City. The Ordinary Certification is based on the Japanese government guidelines for information banking services, and indicates that the service complies with international standards for privacy protection and information security measures.[3]

[1] https://www.chuden.co.jp/english/corporate/ecor_company/ecom_outline/index.html

[2] https://www.itrenmei.jp/summary/

[3] https://www.chuden.co.jp/corporate/publicity/pub_release/press/3272452_21432.html

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Launched an Energy Management Demonstration Project Using Solar Power and Storage Batteries

Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO, Headquarters: Osaka Prefecture) announced on February 17, 2020, that it has launched an energy management demonstration project that will be deployed in grocery stores using solar power systems integrated with battery storage.

 As a part of the project, storage batteries will be installed at grocery stores operated by an Osaka-based grocery retailer, Kano Co.[1], which has contracted for a KEPCO’s onsite solar power service[2]. The project will verify the effectiveness of the battery storage in reducing electricity costs. It will also use a Kanden Virtual Power Plant Integrated Platform System (K-VIPs) to validate the performance of the storage battery control technology.

 Storing surplus energy from solar power generation on batteries and discharging it at other times, such as during the night, is expected to reduce electricity costs. The stored surplus energy can also be utilized during emergencies or as part of a demand response (DR) program by responding to the signals from aggregators.

 KEPCO aims to provide comprehensive energy management services by utilizing various components such as solar power generation with battery storage and energy resource aggregation services which are expected to grow. KEPCO’s energy aggregation services help customers to increase their revenues through operational improvements for energy procurement management and facility optimization by utilizing VPP and DR.[3]

[1] https://www.kk-kano.co.jp/

 [2] The KEPCO provides commercial and industrial customers with a suite of comprehensive (one-stop-shop) solar power services, ranging from rooftop solar installations, to operations and maintenance.

[3] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2020/0217_1j.html

[Japan] Tohoku Electric Power Issued Green Bond to Expand Renewable Energy Business

Tohoku Electric Power Company, headquartered in Miyagi Prefecture, announced on January 29, 2020 that it has decided to issue a Tohoku Electric Power Green Bond in order to expand its renewable energy business and increase diversified funding procurement.[1] The Green Bond is expected to be issued in February 2020 and will be used for investment and refinancing in renewable energy development, construction, operation, and renovation projects.[2] Tohoku aims to develop 2,000 GW of renewable energy, mainly wind power. The funds raised through the Green Bond will be used mainly for renewable business activities.

To issue the Green Bond, DNV GL Business Assurance Japan K.K. (DNV GL), a third-party certification body headquartered in Kobe City,[3] evaluated and verified the Green Bond’s compliance with various standards related to green bond issuance. A Tokyo-based stock investment and fund management firm, SMBC Nikko Securities,[4] will be mainly responsible for issuing the 10-year green bonds with a total value of JYP 5 billion (app. $ 46 M). Details will be announced at the time of issuance.

Tohoku is the first Japanese former general electricity utility to obtain certification for a Green Bond from the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), an international non-profit organization located in London that sets strict standards for ensuring the reliability and transparency of green bonds.[5]

[1] http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/normal/1205380_1049.html

[2] http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/normal/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2020/01/29/1205380_b1.pdf

[3] https://www.dnvgl.jp/about/overview/business_assurance.html

[4] https://www.smbcnikko.co.jp/company/info/profile/index.html

[5] https://www.climatebonds.net/

[Japan] Chugoku Electric Power Released Corporate Vision ENERGIACHANGE 2030

Chugoku Electric Power (Chugoku EPCo), headquartered in Hiroshima Prefecture, issued a corporate vision white paper called ENERGIACHANGE 2030 on January 21, 2020. “ENERGIACHANGE" is a term that combines a corporate philosophy of "ENERGIA" and its new vision concept "Gear-change. "ENERGIA" is derived from Latin words, expressing activity, work and vitality. It is the origin of energy. "ENERGIA" expresses Chugoku EPCo’s desire to help create a brighter, more dynamic society. The white paper establishes a new vision with financial and non-financial goals. By 2030, Chugoku EPCo seeks to increase the company’s profit share of its fast-growing business segment from 5% to 25%, aiming to grow consolidated ordinary income from JPY 36 billion (approximately USD 328 million) to more than JPY 60 billion (App. USD 546 M). For non-financial goals, Chugoku EPCo plans to enhance its work environment by diversifying human resources and increase the amount of renewable energy capacity to between 300MW and 700MW. The utility plans to strengthen and advance existing businesses by improving the operational efficiency of existing nuclear power plants as well as promoting initiatives for carbon recycling technologies and renewable energy.[1]

After the full deregulation of Japan’s retail electricity market, Chugoku EPCo revenues have decreased due to the introduction of new retail energy providers and increased competition in the market. Though the company has generated a profit surplus, the consolidated ordinary income is only around JYP 30 billion (app. USD 273 M). In 2019, Chugoku EPCo announced that it will establish a wholly owned subsidiary called Chugoku Electric Power Network in April 2020,[2] aiming to separate its power transmission and distribution divisions.[3] Subsequently, Chugoku EPCo released Energia Change 2030, adjusting its vision and reviewing its past achievements.

According to the Energia Change 2030, major measures that will be completed by 2020 include;

1) Promoting development of new energy solutions/services

2) Strengthen the competitiveness of power sources

3) Improve the quality of transmission and distribution network services

4) Create revenue streams in Japan and overseas

5) Enhance collaboration with local communities

6) Improve the balance of income and expenditure.[4] [5] [6]

[1] p. 42, http://www.energia.co.jp/ir/irkeiei/pdf/groupvision_02.pdf

[2] http://www.energia.co.jp/press/2019/12139.html

[3] http://www.energia.co.jp/press/2019/12139.html

[4] p. 11-16, http://www.energia.co.jp/ir/irkeiei/pdf/groupvision_02.pdf

[5] http://www.energia.co.jp/press/2020/12262.html

[6] http://www.energia.co.jp/ir/irkeiei/groupvision.html

[Japan] J-Power Began Commercial Operation of Nikaho No.2 Windfarm

Tokyo-based Japanese power producer J-POWER[1] began commercial operation of the new Nikaho No.2 wind farm in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture on January 24, 2020. J-POWER began construction of the Nikaho No.2 wind farm in July 2017, and connected it to the grid to begin testing in March 2019.

This is J-POWER’s second wind farm in Nikaho City, following the Nikahokogen wind farm; it is also the third wind farm in Akita Prefecture. Currently, J-POWER operates 24 wind farms across Japan. The Nikaho No.2 wind farm produces 41.4 GW of electricity, increasing the combined capacity of J-POWER wind farms in Japan from 489.16 GW to 530.56 GW.

Between J-POWER’s two wind farms that are under construction in Japan and one offshore wind farm under construction overseas, J-POWER’s total domestic and international capacity will reach 830.942 GW. Leveraging its experience and knowledge, J-POWER will continue to develop and deploy renewable energy sources, including wind power.[2]

[1] http://www.jpower.co.jp/english/company_info/operations_in_japan/

[2] https://www.jpower.co.jp/news_release/2020/01/news200124.html?rss=news

[Japan] Chugoku Electric Power Received its First Supply of LNG from the U.S. Sabin Pass LNG Project

Chugoku Electric Power (Chugoku EPCo), headquartered in Hiroshima Prefecture, announced on January 7, 2020, that it has purchased and received liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Sabin Pass LNG Project (SPL Project) at Yanai Power Station in Yamaguchi prefecture.[1] [2] [3] Chugoku EPCo signed a contract to purchase up to 400,000 tons of LNG annually for 17 years from Total Gas and Power Asia Ltd, a French energy company.

The SPL Project, operated by Cheniere, a U.S. LNG company, is located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.[4] The LNG was loaded onto the carrier BW Tulip on December 9, 2019, in Louisiana. This is the first time that Chugoku EPCo has received LNG produced in the U.S., and the first time that it has received LNG containing shale gas. The LNG price index is based on the U.S. natural gas market price.

Chugoku EpCo is working to diversify its suppliers and procurement methods, alleviate its quality constraints, and reduce procurement prices, in order to improve the stability of its LNG procurement and reduce risks due to fluctuations in fuel prices.

[1] http://www.energia.co.jp/e/corp/pr/pr.html

[2] http://www.energia.co.jp/business/lng/lng1.html

[3] http://www.energia.co.jp/press/2020/12235.html

[4] https://www.cheniere.com/terminals/sabine-pass/

[Japan] JERA Joined Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition

On January 14, 2020, JERA (Japan’s Energy for a new eRA)[1] announced that it had joined the Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition, to advance the development of ocean-based renewable energy and mitigate the impact of climate change. JERA is a joint venture between Tokyo Electric Power Fuel & Power (headquartered in Tokyo)[2] and Chubu Electric Power (headquartered in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture).[3] It is the first Japanese company to join the Action Coalition.

The Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition was established by a group of offshore wind power companies, including Ørsted and Equinor, to promote the sustainable deployment of ocean-based renewable energies such as offshore wind, floating solar, tidal and wave power. Ørsted is a utility company based in Fredericia, Denmark.[4] Equinor is an energy company headquartered in Stavanger, Norway[5].

The Action Coalition will develop a 2050 vision, which will include action plans for stakeholders from industry, the financial sector, and the government to sustainably scale up the deployment of offshore wind, and to contribute to the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Decarbonization goals. The Action Coalition plans to announce a status update for the initiative at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon in June 2020.[6]

JERA has stated that it hopes to be a global leader in renewable energy, through commitments such as promoting large-scale offshore wind energy projects in Japan and abroad, and by contributing to the sustainable development of offshore wind energy through participation in the Coalition.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/english/corporate/

[2] https://www7.tepco.co.jp/fp/about/index-e.html

[3] https://www.chuden.co.jp/english/corporate/ecor_company/ecom_outline/index.html

[4] https://orsted.com/en/About-us

[5] https://www.equinor.com/en/about-us.html

[6] https://www.jera.co.jp/information/20200114_450 

[Japan] Japan’s Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy Released its Interim Report on Building Sustainable Power Systems

On December 26, 2019, Japan’s Strategic Policy Committee of the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy released its interim report on Building Sustainable Power Systems. The interim report includes the Committee’s recommendations to rebuild Japan’s power systems and improve resilience.

Japan’s energy landscape is rapidly changing due: increasing resiliency needs; growing demand for decarbonization in response to the Paris Agreement; decentralization of networks through the introduction of renewable energy; and emerging new energy businesses that utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) has established the Building Sustainable Power Systems Subcommittee under the Strategic Policy Committee to develop policies and measures to adapt to these changes.

The subcommittee held four meetings in 2019 from November to December to discuss these issues and released its findings in the interim report. The report highlights the following: [1]

     I.        Strengthening stakeholder collaboration for faster disaster recovery: the subcommittee discussed the need for a disaster coordination plan to improve disaster response collaboration among utility companies to shorten the recovery period. The subcommittee also proposed the establishment of a cost sharing mechanism for disaster recovery.

   II.        Creating a resilient power network: Typhoon No. 15 (Faxai) caused serious damage to the power network. In order to mitigate power outages during large-scale disasters, the subcommittee discussed the need to replace aging equipment and improve the inter-regional interconnection of the distribution network for a robust and sustainable power system.

     III.            Promoting decentralized power system: Typhoon No. 15 highlighted the need to place distributed energy resources for remote and hard-to-reach areas in advance, in order to quickly recover from a disaster. The subcommittee emphasized the importance of promoting and investing in distributed energy resources in these areas to improve resiliency including microgrids, renewable energy, storage batteries, and electric vehicles.

[1] https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/committee/council/basic_policy_subcommittee/#system_kouchiku

[Japan] JERA and Osaka Gas Began Commercial Operation at the Freeport LNG Train #1 in Texas, USA

On December 10, 2019, JERA (Japan’s Energy for a new eRA)[1] and Osaka Gas, owned by the Daigas Group and headquartered in Osaka[2], announced that the Freeport LNG Project in Texas, U.S., has begun commercial operations for its LNG Train #1 on December 8, 2019.[3] The two companies participate in the project through FLNG Liquefaction, a joint venture of JERA, Osaka Gas and Freeport LNG Development headquartered in Houston, Texas. JERA is a joint venture between Tokyo Electric Power Fuel & Power (headquartered in Tokyo)[4] and Chubu Electric Power (headquartered in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)[5].

The two companies have participated in the project since October 2014. The Freeport LNG Project is operated by Freeport LNG Development, headquartered in Houston, Texas.[6] The LNG Train #1 has a liquefaction capacity of approximately 5 million metric tons per year, and Osaka Gas and JERA will receive about each 2.32 million metric tons of LNG per year under 20-year Liquefaction Tolling Agreements with FLNG Liquefaction.[7]

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/english/corporate/

[2] https://www.osakagas.co.jp/en/aboutus/corporate_profile/

[3] https://www.jera.co.jp/information/20191210_439

[4] https://www7.tepco.co.jp/fp/about/index-e.html

[5] https://www.chuden.co.jp/english/corporate/ecor_company/ecom_outline/index.html

[6] http://freeportlng.com/about/corporate-history/

[7] https://www.osakagas.co.jp/company/press/pr_2019/1283872_40360.html

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Company and Nihon Unisys Launched a Demonstration Project on Developing a Trading System for Surplus Solar Electricity Using Blockchain Technologies

Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO, Headquarters: Osaka Prefecture) and Nihon Unisys announced on December 9, 2019 the launch of a demonstration project for a system to determine the trading price of surplus solar electricity and environmental values[1] generated by prosumers[2].

The demonstration project will run until March 31, 2020. It will utilize blockchain technologies to develop a system to help consumers, prosumers, and businesses that participate in the RE 100 initiative to determine the trading price of surplus electricity. RE 100 is an initiative launched by the Climate Group of the United Kingdom (UK) and the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), a UK-based non-profit that is championing the use of 100% renewable energy for electricity for business operations.[3]

Nihon Unisys, headquartered in Tokyo[4], manufactures computer equipment and develops various software products.[5] In this project, Nihon Unisys will be responsible for developing and evaluating the system, while KEPCO will construct, demonstrate, and evaluate the system at the test center. The project has adopted four trading methods: Match-Price Auction, Single-Price Auction, Price Discrimination, and Dynamic Pricing.[6]

Since October 2018, KEPCO and Nihon Unisys have been working with prosumers and consumers to conduct a study to determine the price of surplus electricity generated by solar power generation, as well as to develop a new platform for direct trading. The two companies were able to simulate Peer-to-Peer (P2P) electricity trading by using blockchain technologies, and determined the transaction prices based on different trading methods.[7]

[1] Environmental value means electricity used by a prosumer itself and its surplus electricity.

[2] A prosumer is someone who both produces and consumers energy, in part, due to the rise of new connected technologies and the steady increase of more renewable energy such as solar and wind onto the electric grid.

https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/consumer-vs-prosumer-whats-difference

[3] http://there100.org/

[4] https://www.unisys.co.jp/e/about/profile.html

[5] https://www.unisys.co.jp/e/solutions_services.html

[6] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2019/pdf/1209_2j_01.pdf

[7] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2019/1209_2j.html

[Japan] Keidanren Launched the Challenge Zero Initiative

On December 12, 2019, Keidanren (also known as the Japan Business Federation), in cooperation with the Japanese Government, announced the launch of the Challenge Zero Initiative. The Initiative will support innovations to build a zero-carbon society; promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments; and facilitate collaboration among the private sector, government, and academic institutions.

Keidanren is an economic organization that represents a membership comprised of 1,376 domestic companies, 109 nationwide industrial associations, and 47 of Japan’s regional economic organizations.[1]

The launch of the Challenge Zero Initiative was driven by the Japan's Long-term Strategy under the Paris Agreement, issued by the Japanese Cabinet in June 2019, which declared that Japan would seek to become a “decarbonized society” by 2050.[2] Keidanren has noted that since the Long-term Strategy under the Paris Agreement was issued, the Japanese business community has realized that more concrete and ambitious actions would be needed to create innovation in order to pursue a low-carbon society.

The Challenge Zero Initiative asks participating companies and organizations to commit to one or more of the goals set by the Initiative and to report their activities to achieve their commitments. The goals include promoting disruptive innovation for net-zero-carbon technologies, demonstrating and deploying those technologies; and financing companies that make low-carbon commitments. Keidanren plans to provide more detailed information on the Challenge Zero Initiative to member companies and organizations soon.[3] [4]

[1] https://www.keidanren.or.jp/profile/pro001.html

[2] https://www.env.go.jp/press/106869.html

[3] https://www.keidanren.or.jp/journal/times/2019/1212_02.html

[4] https://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/2019/109.pdf

［Japan］ Tohoku Electric Power Company and SRA Tohoku Have Launched an AI Application for Transmission Tower Assessment

On November 28, 2019, Tohoku Electric Power Company (Tohoku, Headquarters: Miyagi Prefecture) and SRA Tohoku (Headquarters: Sendai), an IT company that develops computer programming and AI applications[1], announced that they have launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) application for assessing the deterioration level of transmission towers.

The AI application can instantaneously evaluate the deterioration level of transmission towers based on the images captured by drones. The AI application’s database will gather and combine the information regarding deteriorated towers, including images of the towers and their geolocation. The integrated database should help utility companies to easily identify the deterioration trends for the entire transmission power systems as well as helping them to centrally monitor and assess towers’ conditions.

By using this application, the planning of repair work that previously took about 25 hours can be carried out within about 4 hours. It can also avoid human error from visual inspection when assessing steel towers’ deterioration levels.[2]

[1] https://www.sra-tohoku.co.jp/ai-pkg/

[2] http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/normal/1204579_1049.html

[Japan] Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Announced Three Electricity Rate Plans in Hokkaido, Hokuriku, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), headquartered in Tokyo, announced on November 12, 2019, that it would expand its electricity rate plans to include residential customers outside of its existing service areas in regions such as Hokkaido, Hokuriku, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions from November 13, 2019.

TEPCO provides residential customers with three electricity rate plans. The Standard S and Standard L plans are available in the Hokkaido and Hokuriku regions, and the Standard A plan is available in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. When compared to the existing prices provided by the incumbent utility companies in each area, the TEPCO rate plans will save each customer about 3% of their electricity costs.

In Japan, the retail electricity market has been completely deregulated since April 1, 2016, and consumers—including households and businesses—are allowed to freely choose their retail electricity providers and rate plans.  Since then, TEPCO has been providing discount electricity rate plans for residential customers in the Chubu and Kansai regions, and in the Tohoku and Kyushu regions since August 2019. Currently, the company offers services nationwide except in Okinawa Prefecture.[1]

[1] http://www.tepco.co.jp/ep/notice/pressrelease/2019/1520325_8664.html

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Company Will Conduct a Demonstration Test on the Frequency Control of a Power System Using Storage Batteries

Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO, Headquarters: Osaka Prefecture) announced on November 29, 2019, that a total of 10 companies including KEPCO will conduct a demonstration test on the frequency control of a power system using storage batteries. The test will run from December 2, 2019 to January 31, 2020. It will integrate the battery control system “K-LIBRA” with 8 different storage batteries produced separately by each battery manufacturer. “K-LIBRA” was jointly developed by KEPCO and NEC, a major Tokyo-based IT and electronics company.[1]

The demonstration test will examine the battery control system’s ability to remotely control all of the tested batteries with the fast charge-discharge capability. It also validates the performance of the system’s response capabilities for short cycle load fluctuations by analyzing the response time and the control accuracy of batteries in response to the signal emitted from “K-LIBRA.”  Furthermore, the demonstration test evaluates the effectiveness of the system’s additional functions to maximize the frequency control capabilities. Based on the test results, KEPCO aims to commercialize the battery control system in fiscal year (FY) 2020.

In early 2019, KEPCO, ELIIY Power (a Tokyo-based company that develops high capacity batteries[2]), and Sansha Electric Manufacturing Co. (an Osaka-based company machinery manufacturer[3]) completed a preliminary demonstration test to collectively and remotely control the charge-discharge performance for a total of 10,000 storage batteries in response to short cycle frequency fluctuations in the power system.[4]

The project is funded by the Agency for Natural Resources under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), through its FY2018 Demonstration Project on Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Utilizing Demand Side Energy Resources.[5]

[1] https://jpn.nec.com/profile/corp/outline.html

[2] https://www.eliiypower.co.jp/company/index.html

[3]http://www.sansha.co.jp/user_data/company/company.php?transactionid=5642f6fe202e98ff6d6489c915b7eef78fe1a2e8

[4] https://www.kepco.co.jp/souhaiden/pr/2019/0522_1j.html

[5] https://www.kepco.co.jp/souhaiden/pr/2019/1129_1j.html

[Japan] Chubu Electric Power Has Partnered with Novars, a Dry-Cell Battery Manufacturer, to Develop New Senior Monitoring Services

Chubu Electric Power (Chuden), headquartered in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture[1], and Novars[2], a Tokyo-based wireless dry cell battery manufacturer, announced on October 25, 2019 that they have reached an agreement to jointly develop new monitoring services for senior citizens in order to respond to the increasing demand for senior care. Novars develops and commercializes a dry-cell battery integrated with a communication module called “MaBeee[3]”. The device is designed to provide remote monitoring services for seniors and children via a connected network. The two companies aim to ultimately improve users’ safety and security through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).

 Chubu Electric Power Group Management Vision wants Chuden to “provide innovative services for new communities” through AI and IoT, as well as other advanced technologies, in addition to strengthening its core energy business operations. Subsequently, it has recently established a distinct business segment in April 2019 that emphasizes providing and managing new community services.

 Additionally, Chuden has agreed to invest in Novars by providing some capital through a third-party allotment. Chuden’s investment will be contributed from the Chubu Electric Power Community Support Fund, which supports venture capital funds and startups with advanced technologies or innovative business models related to monitoring services. The fund, a corporate venture capital fund, was established in April 2019 as an internal fund for Chuden[4].

[1] https://www.chuden.co.jp/english/corporate/ecor_company/ecom_outline/index.html

[2] http://novars.jp/

[3] http://novars.main.jp/new_WP/company

[4] https://www.chuden.co.jp/corporate/publicity/pub_release/press/3272005_21432.html

[Japan] Chugoku Power Electric, Meidensha, and Mazda will Jointly Conduct a Virtual Power Plant Demonstration Project Reusing Electric Vehicle Batteries

On October 17, 2019, Chugoku Electric Power Company (Chugoku EPCo), headquartered in Hiroshima Prefecture, announced that it had partnered with Meidensha, a Tokyo-based generator manufacturer, and Mazda, an automaker based in Hiroshima Prefecture, to develop a stationary energy storage system that reuses Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries. The partners will also conduct a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Demonstration Project based on the system.

Generally, VPP can integrate and control electricity from EVs and storage batteries in addition to renewable energy sources located in residential households and manufacturing plants. VPPs are expected to provide a wide variety of services related to power systems, such as power demand and supply management for power transmission and distribution companies.

In order to examine the feasibility of reusing EV batteries for VPP energy, the demonstration project will build a VPP system that controls multiple EV batteries along with other distributed energy resources such as solar power generators, EVs and electric water heaters. The project will evaluate the performance of the VPP and the reused batteries’ capacity deterioration characteristics at Chugoku EPCo’s Energia Economic and Technical Research Institute, which is located in Higashihiroshima city in Hiroshima prefecture.[1]

[1] http://www.energia.co.jp/assets/press/2019/p191017-1a.pdf

[Japan] METI held the First Distributed Energy Platform Conference

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) held the First Distributed Energy Platform Conference in Tokyo on November 1, 2019. The conference aimed to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss and share information to promote distributed energy systems that are combined with a renewable energy utilization model that integrates energy supply and demand.

The traditional structure of energy supply and demand in Japan has been transformed by five major factors: the dramatic drop in the cost of solar power systems; the development of innovative digital technologies along with the possibility of structural changes to the electric power system; the recent electricity market and system reform in Japan; current efforts to meet energy customers’ demands for the utilization of renewable energy (e.g. RE 100, SDGs, etc.); and the increasing need to strengthen the resiliency of the energy supply system due to the increased frequency of natural disasters. These structural changes have spurred rising demand for the deployment of distributed energy systems. Therefore, METI provided a discussion forum to facilitate discussions about issues and challenges between various stakeholders, including electric utility companies, energy services providers, home builders, mobility-related operators, renewable energy customers, local governments, and financial institutions.

During the meeting, stakeholders discussed the challenges that they may face when deploying and operating distributed energy systems. The conference addressed the following issues;

(1) How to visualize the value of renewable energy

(2) How to promote and deploy energy integration technologies (i.e. battery storage systems, Electric Vehicle (EV), and Virtual Power Plant (VPP))

(3) How to balance distributed energy systems with existing power systems and networks

(4) How to utilize existing grid distribution lines for regional microgrids.[1]

[1] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/10/20191021003/20191021003.html

［Japan］ Tokyo Electric Power Holdings Created a Separate Company for Renewable Energy Generation: TEPCO Renewable Power

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO HD, headquartered in Tokyo) announced on August 7, 2019, that it had decided to create a separate company devoted to renewable energy generation activities by April 1, 2020.[1] On October 1, 2019, TEPCO HD officially established TEPCO Renewable Power, Inc.[2], headquartered in Tokyo. TEPCO HD launched TEPCO Renewable Power, which will specialize in developing and operating renewable energy sources, as part of TEPCO HD’s strategy to achieve its goal of generating a total of six to seven GW of renewable energy in Japan and overseas.[3]

 TEPCO Renewable Power will be responsible for coordinating with Japanese and international partners to develop energy sources. By establishing this new company, TEPCO HD intends to clarify its duties and capabilities in renewable energy generation. Accordingly, TEPCO Renewable Power is expected to be able to make efficient decisions on large-scale investments and flexible financing for renewable energy projects.[4]

[1] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/1518330_8709.html

[2] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/pdf4/191001j0202.pdf

[3] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/1516232_8709.html

[4] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/1516232_8709.html

[Japan] METI released a Status Update on Power Outages and Facility Damage Caused by Typhoon Hagibis

On October 16, 2019, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced a status update on the power outages and energy-related facility damage caused by Typhoon #19 (“Hagibis”). The typhoon hit the Kanto district in Japan on October 12, 2019, and caused tremendous power outages in approximately 16,720 households in a total of 14 prefectures, including the Tokyo Metropolitan area.[1]

 As of October 16, 2019, approximately 5,220 households in Nagano Prefecture within the service area of Chubu Electric Power (Chuden, Headquarter: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture) were continuing to experience power outages, and another 2,900 homes within the Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO, Headquarter: Tokyo) service area were still without power.

 Typhoon Hagibis also caused natural gas distribution disruptions and high-pressure natural gas leaks. The natural gas supply for nearly 900 households in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture was interrupted due to the severe damage to gas pressure regulators. As of October 16, 2019, the gas supply has been resumed for approximately 485 homes, and repair work is continuing for the remaining homes.

 The roof of a Liquefied Petroleum (LP) gas cylinder warehouse owned by a Toyota USEC office in Yokohama was damaged by the typhoon and led to further LP gas leaks. As of October 16, 2019, the leaks had been stopped. Toyota USEC is a used-car commercial services provider and a subsidiary of Toyota and is headquartered in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture.[2] [3]

[1] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/10/20191012002/20191012002.html

[2] http://www.toyota-usec.co.jp/corporate/

[3] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/10/20191016006/20191016006.html