[USA] “Governor Polis Releases Roadmap to 100% Renewable Energy and Bold Climate Action”

[Colorado Governor Jared Polis, 30 May 2019]

Colorado Governor Jared Polis (Democrat) has released a new energy plan for the state that focuses on achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040. The plan also provides specific “directions, policies, and actions,” and the state’s progress thus far. Some of the efforts include modernizing the public utilities commission, increasing the number of green jobs available, encouraging energy efficiency, etc. Polis stated of the vision, “The roadmap is not just about a vision, but includes concrete steps that will help us reap the economic benefits of renewable energy, curb pollution of our air, and fight climate change. Colorado has always been a leader in clean-tech innovation and we have no intentions of slowing down.”

[Japan] Shikoku Electric Power and Shikoku Research Institute Launch Demonstration Project to Verify the Feasibility of Remote Control of Solar Power Systems Supplying Electric Water Heaters

Shikoku Electric Power and its subsidiary, Shikoku Research Institute[1], announced on May 22, 2019, that they will launch a demonstration project to examine the feasibility of remotely controlling solar power systems for supplying electricity to electric water heaters and EcoCute heat pump systems that are installed in its residential customers’ houses. EcoCute is an energy efficient electric heat pump system that generates hot water by recovering heat energy from air.

By forecasting the expected level of solar power generation for the next day, the project will shift some normal usage of customer electric water heaters from nighttime hours to daytime to use excess solar electricity produced during daytime. This shift is enabled by demand response technology developed by Shikoku Research Institute, and would lead to optimization of solar power generation operations as well as stabilization of power supply and demand. The project will collaborate with 40 customer households in Takamatsu City and the Chusan/Seisan area in Kagawa Prefecture. Data collection, analysis, and evaluation will be carried out over approximately one year beginning fall 2019. Data will be collected remotely about 60 times throughout this period, without any inconvenience for customers.

The project aims to verify the feasibility of the remote-control technology for solar power, as part of Shikoku Electric Power and Shikoku Research Institute’s efforts for improving effective energy utilization[2]

[1] http://www.ssken.co.jp/

[2] https://www.yonden.co.jp/press/2019/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2019/05/21/pr005.pdf

https://www.yonden.co.jp/press/2019/1190011_2420.html

[Japan] Hokuriku Electric Power Released its 2030 Long-Term Vision Plan and its Medium-Term Management Plan from 2019 to 2022

On April 25, 2019, Hokuriku Electric Power Company released its 2030 Long-Term Vision Plan, along with an implementation plan, the Medium-Term Management Plan from 2019 to 2022. The plans recognize the changing landscape of Japan’s energy industry and present a set of action plans for Hokuriku Electric Power Company to achieve sustainable growth. Hokuriku Electric Power Company serves customers in the northwestern part of Japan, in the Hokuriku region, which includes Toyama, Ishikawa, and part of Fukui and Gifu prefectures.

Japan’s energy industry has experienced significant changes caused by population decline, the introduction of emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and EVs, environmental regulations for climate change, and by the intensifying competition led by the implementation of a deregulated electricity retail market. Hokuriku Electric Power expects further changes in the future and foresees the disruption of existing business models due to the adoption of innovative technologies and the growing awareness of the need to promote a sustainable society.

To accommodate the changes, Hokuriku Electric Power developed its 2030 Long-Term Vision Plan and its Medium-Term Management Plan from 2019 to 2022. The two pillars of the plans are 1) the expansion of a comprehensive energy business, including increasing clean energy generation capacity, maintaining a stable electricity supply, and increasingly providing more value-added services to customers; and 2) cultivating new growing businesses, including expansion into domestic and overseas business markets, new products, and service development.

[Japan] Tohoku Electric Power and Toshiba ESS Agreed to Conduct Joint Research on Peer-to-Peer Electricity Trading Between Individuals Using Distributed Energy Resources

On April 26, 2019, Tohoku Electric Power and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions (Toshiba ESS) jointly announced that they had agreed to conduct research on peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading between customers who are using distributed energy resources (DER). The study will assess the potential business model for P2P energy trading as well as the impact on electrical distribution systems. Toshiba ESS, a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, was founded in 2017 to develop technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve energy systems and services.[1]

As the use of renewable energy and energy storage expands, it is predicted that in the future customers will be more likely to engage in P2P energy trading systems to trade the excess energy generated from their home. However, the utility’s business model for P2P energy trading is still uncertain. In addition, the impact of the increasing P2P energy trading on electrical power distribution systems is unknown. Tohoku Electric Power and Toshiba ESS began this joint research project in order to better understand and address these issues.

As part of the project, Tohoku Electric Power and Toshiba ESS will test the effectiveness of blockchain technologies, which will be utilized to record energy transactions. The project team will also build simulation models for P2P energy trading to optimize the distribution infrastructure and its operation. The project aims to develop potential business models to prepare for the expansion of P2P energy trading. The research will be carried out until the end of March 2020.[2]

[1] https://www.toshiba-energy.com/en/company/about.htm

[2] https://www.toshiba-energy.com/info/info2019_0426.htm

[Japan] NEDO Initiated the Third Phase of an Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle Demonstration Project

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) recently announced that it had initiated the third phase of an Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle (IGFC) Demonstration Project on April 17, 2019. The third phase of the IGFC Demonstration Project will focus on combining an Oxygen-blown Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) with CO2 capture technology and fuel cells, aiming to verify the system performance. This system will capture CO2 from syngas to produce hydrogen-rich gas to use as fuel. The project is being conducted by NEDO and OSAKI CoolGen Corporation, a joint venture company between Chugoku Electric Power and Electric Power Development Company (J-POWER).

In Japan, coal-fired power generation accounts for approximately 30% of the domestic power generation. However, coal-fired power generates more CO2 than other fossil fuels. NEDO has launched the IGFC Demonstration Project in order to explore opportunities to reduce CO2 emissions from coal generation in FY2018. The project aims to develop a commercial-scale IGFC system (500 MW-class) with approximately 47% Higher Heating Value (HHV) and a CO2 capture rate of 90 percent. The first phase of the project consisted of a demonstration of Oxygen-blown IGCC and the second phase included testing the IGCC with CO2 separation and capture technology. The IGFC Demonstration Project will run until FY2022.[1]

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Will Provide Power Distribution and Retail Electric Business in New Clark City in the Philippines

Kansai Electric Power announced on April 4, 2019, that it has obtained electric power distribution services in New Clark City in the Philippines. Kansai Electric Power will work with Marubeni[1] (a major integrated trading and investment business conglomerate), Chubu Electric Power, and the Manila Electric Company (MERALC) to provide power distribution service in New Clark City for 25 years.

The Philippines is currently developing New Clark City, an industrial city which used to be a U.S. Air Force Base. The project is operated by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), a government-owned and controlled development corporation.[2] In order to support the development of New Clark City, the group led by Kansai Electric Power will be responsible for retail electric business activities as well as design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the power distribution system through smart grid technologies. Through its subsidiary KPIC Netherland, Kansai Electric Power also plans to establish a local power distribution company with Marubeni, Chubu Electric Power, MERALCO, and BCDA, and to invest in a 9% stake in the company.

The group is currently preparing for the installation of the power distribution system. The system is scheduled to begin operation at the end of November in 2019, when a biennial multi-sports event, the Southeast Asian Games, will be held. The project is the first time that Kansai Electric Power has joined the power distribution and retail electric business outside of Japan.[3]

[1] https://www.marubeni.com/en/

[2] https://bcda.gov.ph/about-us

[3] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2019/0404_2j.html

[Japan] Chugoku Electric Power and Shikoku Electric Power with Other Partners Will Acquire a Total of 27% Stake in the Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan

On April 5, 2019, Chugoku Electric Power and Shikoku Electric Power announced that they would participate in the Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm project in Taiwan, through the acquisition of interests from a German-based large renewable energy developer, wpd A.G., in collaboration with other Japanese companies, including Sojitz Corporation and JXTG Nippon Oil and Energy.

The Japanese consortium will acquire a total of a 27% stake in the 640MW Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm project from wpd A.G.[1], which will secure the remaining 73% stake in the company. Sojitz Corporation, a Japanese trading company[2], will have a 9.1% stake in the wind farm. C&C investment, established by Chugoku Electric Power Company, will have a 6.75% stake. JXTG Nippon Oil and Energy[3], a Japanese petroleum company, will also have a 6.75% stake, and Shikoku Electric Power will have a 4.4% stake.

The wind farm is expected to begin operation in December 2021 and will supply power to the Taiwan Electric Power Company for 20 years at a fixed price. It is the first time for Chugoku Electric Power and Shikoku Electric Power to join the oversees offshore wind power business. Chugoku Electric Power and Shikoku Electric Power plan to continue to participate in new overseas projects and will work to improve their profitability.[4]

[1] http://www.wpd.de/en/wpd/profile/

[2] https://www.sojitz.com/en/corporate/profile/index.php

[3] https://www.noe.jxtg-group.co.jp/english/

[4] https://www.yonden.co.jp/press/2019/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2019/04/05/pr004.pdf

[Japan] Keidanren Released a Policy Recommendation Report on Rebuilding Japan’s Power System

On April, 2019, the Japan Business Federation, called Keidanren, released a policy recommendation report titled “Rebuilding Japan’s Power System—Electric Power Policy to Support a Super-Smart Society, Society 5.0.” The economic organization is comprised of 1,376 Japanese representative companies, 109 industrial associations, and 47 regional economic organizations as of May 31, 2018, and plays a central role in assisting corporate activities by making policy proposals and taking actions to contribute to the self-sustaining development of the Japanese economy. The report highlights the future direction of Japan’s electric power policy in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, and attempts to address current challenges.

Japan faces four main challenges in its electric power sector, including a high dependence (more than 80%) on fossil fuel power generation; the unexpectedly slower penetration of renewable energy, which is hindering Japan from decreasing its high dependence on fossil fuels; difficulties in restarting its nuclear power reactors that have received approval for their safety standards, due to a strong public antinuclear movement; and a failure to significantly reduce electricity pricing even after the recent deregulation of the retail electricity market. Additionally, the uncertainty of the current domestic business environment is discouraging power utilities from committing to major investments in power infrastructure.

In order to achieve “Society 5.0”, the main priority for Japan’s electric power policy should be securing a balance of ‘Safety + Energy Security, Economy, and Environment (S+3E),’ in line with the pursuit of Decarbonization, Decentralization, and Digitalization (3D). It is necessary to promote electric power investment, and to advance the development and implementation of new technologies. To encourage further investments, Keidanren recommends that the government should develop its next basic energy plan by considering the different potential scenarios for the future power system after 2030.

[USA] “Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates Earth Day with Massive New Solar Facility Capable of Powering Two Theme Parks”

[Walt Disney World News, 18 April 2019]

In honor of Earth Day, Walt Disney World Resort has unveiled a new 270-acre, 50 MW solar facility, that has been built in collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and the solar developer Origis Energy USA. This site generates enough energy to operate 2 of the 4 theme parks at Disney annually. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions “by tens of thousands of tons per year” and is a step towards Disney’s goal of reducing emissions 50% compared to 2012 levels. The solar facility has also been built to make over 2/3 of the site more friendly to pollinators and other insects, some of which are endangered or are at-risk species. Angie Renner, Environmental Integration Director at Disney Park’s Experiences and Consumer Products section, stated, ““At Disney, every day is Earth Day, and we hope our guests and cast members will be as inspired and amazed as we are at what this new solar facility means for our community and planet. This is an ambitious step forward for our renewable energy efforts.” Some specs for the project include:

·         500,000 + solar panels

·         During peak sun, the site will provide up to 25% of Walt Disney World’s demand

·         Largest solar facility in Orange County

·         50,000 + tons of greenhouse gas emissions reduce (equivalent of removal of 10,000 cards per year)

[USA] “GMP Launches Vision to Have 100% Renewable Energy by 2030”

[Green Mountain Power, 13 April 2019]

The Vermont utility, Green Mountain Power, has announced their intention-at the GMP Earth Day Every Day Fair- to have a 100% carbon-free energy supply by 2025 and 100% renewable energy supply by 2030. Green Mountain Power’s current energy mix consists of 90% carbon free energy and over 60% of that is renewable. Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power, stated of the endeavor: “There is so much we can accomplish together in Vermont to cut carbon, and at the same time increase reliability for customers in the face of increasingly frequent and severe storms.  The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report makes clear, we have to act now, and take bold steps to cut carbon. The report issued in October of 2018 shows we have just 12 years to bend back the curve on carbon. Green Mountain Power is determined that through innovation, collaboration and grit, we can make remarkable strides and be the example of the change we want to see and deliver this energy future to benefit the customers we serve.”

[USA] “Governor Murphy Announces New Jersey Offshore Wind Supply Chain Registry”

[Governor Phil Murphy, 09 April 2019]

Governor Phil Murphy has introduced a “New Jersey Offshore Wind Supply Chain Registry” for the state that will create a portal that connects investors for offshore wind with New Jersey-based companies to partner with or purchase energy from. Governor Murphy said of the project, “Developing a robust offshore wind industry is a key step to building a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy that provides good jobs and protects our environment for future generations. The offshore wind supply chain registry will facilitate the delivery of our offshore wind projects and ensure New Jersey companies are first in line for opportunities they create.” The project falls under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA); NJEDA aims to have 650 New Jersey-based companies on the portal by the middle of August 2019. The aim of this project is to grow the local offshore wind industry while boosting the state economy. The portal will be publicly available for free.

[USA] “CleanChoice Energy Community Solar Opens New Prince George’s County Solar Farm”

[CleanChoice Energy, 10 April 2019]

CleanChoice Energy is almost finished with the construction of a 3 MW community solar farm in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The Simba Community Solar Farm will help participating residents save around 10% of their utility bill. In the first year, the project will generate around 4,500,000 kWh – thereby being able to avoid 3,500,000 pounds of coal. This project aims to expand access to solar – especially for those who are not able to have rooftop solar.

[Japan] Kyushu Electric Power Company and Exergy Power System Will Jointly Operate a Power Management Project in Ireland

On March 25, 2019, Kyushu Electric Power Company (also known as Kyuden) announced that it has partnered with Exergy Power System to jointly operate a power supply and demand management project in Ireland starting from the end of the 2019 fiscal year. The project will utilize a rechargeable battery system developed by Exergy Power System, a start-ups from the University of Tokyo that is developing next-generation hydrogen cells for energy storage.[1] Kyushu Electronic Power has been seeking to collaborate with start-ups to develop and explore new business opportunities since it initiated the “Kyuden i-Project” in fiscal year 2017, which focuses on pursuing innovation through concept creation, concept commercialization or deployment as service.[2] The collaboration with Exergy Power System is part of the Kyuden i-Project.[3]

[1] https://www.ut-ec.co.jp/portfolio/exergy

[2] http://www.kyuden.co.jp/var/rev0/0149/3839/o0wpb4su_p34-37.pdf

[3] http://www.kyuden.co.jp/press_h190325-1.html

[Japan] Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Jointly Offer Medium-Capacity Steam Turbines for Industrial Thermal Power Plants

Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions (Toshiba ESS) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Kawasaki) announced on March 28, 2019, that they have reached a collaboration agreement to offer 100-200MW, medium-capacity steam turbines for industrial thermal power plants worldwide, starting immediately.

Given the increasing need for small to medium-capacity steam turbines to be cost-effective and to be widely used for different industries and utility applications in the global market, the design of small to medium-sized steam turbines needs to enhance their efficiency and flexibility by improving steam conditions and adopting reheat cycles. Accordingly, Toshiba ESS and Kawasaki has been conducting a joint research project in this area by leveraging Toshiba’s material and reliability technologies acquired through manufacturing steam turbines for thermal power plants, as well as Kawasaki’s compact, high-speed turbine and packaging technologies that have been developed through producing steam turbines for marine and industrial-use power generation. Toshiba ESS offers intermediate and low-pressure (ILP) turbines, and Kawasaki provides high-pressure (HP) turbine and reduction gear. The two companies will utilize both supply chains to produce medium-sized steam turbines and to expand their sales network in global markets.[1]

[1]

[Japan] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Continues the Sale of Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Certificates

On March 25, 2019, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced that it would continue selling non-fossil fuel energy certificates in Fiscal Year 2019. In May 2018, METI began to issue the certificates to certify electricity generated by renewable energy sources under the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) Scheme for Renewable Energy, and established a non-fossil fuel energy trading market, which allows retail electricity providers (REPs) to purchase certificates representing the non-fossil fuel value.

If REPs sell electricity with the non-fossil fuel energy certificates, it is considered as renewable energy, which enables energy users to utilize their compliance with RE 100, an initiative launched by the Climate Group of the United Kingdom (UK) and the CDP, which is championing the use of 100% renewable energy for electricity for business operations.[1] The Climate Group of the UK, which seeks to accelerate action on climate change, is committed to work with global leaders and enterprises to tackle climate change.[2] CDP is a British non-profit organization that provides a discussion platform for companies, states, and investors to control their environmental impacts.

In February 2019, METI conducted a demonstration project in collaboration with many REPs and power producers to identify the origin of renewable energy sources based on their non-fossil energy value, as well as to confirm that it would be able to improve the FIT scheme. The non-fossil fuel energy trading market aims to encourage electric buyers to achieve the target ratio of non-fossil fuel energy set by the Act on the Promotion of Use of Non-Fossil Energy Sources and Effective Use of Fossil Energy Materials by Energy Suppliers.[3] 

[1] http://there100.org/

[2] https://www.theclimategroup.org/about

[3] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2018/03/20190325005/20190325005.html

[USA] “Local Leaders Celebrate Rhode Island’s First Net Zero Energy Ready Residential Development”

[National Grid, 1 April 2019]

Rhode Island has begun the construction of its first Net Zero Energy residential development. This development will be built by h.a. Fisher Homes and the development is expected to be completely energy efficient so that all (or most) energy consumed can be provided by local renewable energy systems. The development will be located in Warwick, Rhode Island- and the first homes will be finished by the fall of this year. There will be a total of 9 single-level condominiums involved in the project. It is interesting to note that Rhode Island is ranked 3rd nationally for its energy efficiency successes. Brian Schuster, Director of Customer and Community Management for National Grid Rhode Island said of the project, ““The Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency programs we manage are reaching thousands of customers ever year to help to reduce energy costs and consumption. Just as importantly, these programs are helping to meet Rhode Island’s clean energy goals and the vision we have for the Northeast 80×50 Pathway.”

[USA] “PG&E Announces New Chief Executive Officer and Appointment of a Refreshed Board of Directors; New Leadership Focused on Enhancing Safety Culture and Operational Excellence”

[PG&E, 3 April 2019]

PG&E has appointed William Johnson as the new CEO and President of the company. PG&E has also selected 10 new directors for its Board of Directors. Prior to this new position, William Johnson served as the President and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority. These “significant” changes in leadership is meant to emphasize the company’s renewed efforts at prioritizing safety, operational effectiveness, and “successfully navigating” the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The PG&E Board commented on the changes, “We have heard the calls for change and have taken action today to ensure that PG&E has the right leadership to bring about real and dynamic change that reinforces our commitment to safety, continuous improvement and operational excellence. We believe our new CEO and the newly constituted Board will help PG&E address California's evolving energy challenges and deliver what our customers expect from their energy company."

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power and Caulis’ Demonstration Project to Detect Unauthorized Bank Account was Approved under the Regulatory Sandbox Scheme

On March 6, 2019, the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI), Government of Japan, approved a demonstration project to detect unauthorized activities on opening bank accounts through the internet, by using financial and electricity data under the Act of Special Measures for Productivity Improvement. The demonstration project is being developed by Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO) and Caulis, a Japanese cyber security solutions company[1]. The project will examine the viability of a new technology which is designed to effectively detect unauthorized activities on opening bank accounts at the Seven Bank[2] by combining financial information with electricity data collected from KEPCO’s electric facilities.

The objective of the project is to explore the cooperation between electricity companies and IT security providers in order to address social security problems. The results of the project will also shape the framework and regulations that promote the adoption of innovative technologies in businesses. The Act of Special Measures for Productivity Improvement entered into force on June 6, 2018. Under the Act, the Scheme for Demonstration of New Technologies, namely the Regulatory Sandbox Scheme, will encourage companies to adopt new technologies and innovative business models.[3]

[1] https://caulis.jp/en/#contact

[2] https://www.sevenbank.co.jp/corp/

[3] https://www.kepco.co.jp/souhaiden/pr/2019/0306_1j.html

[Japan] Kyushu Electric Power and Softbank Signed a Business Alliance Agreement for Joint Product Development

Kyushu Electric Power and Softbank[1], a Japanese mobile service company, signed a business alliance agreement on joint product and service development on March 12, 2019. The first joint services, ‘Home Discount Kyushu Electric Power Electric Set,’ a 100-yen monthly discount service, will begin to be offered on April 12, 2019, at both Softbank’s and Y Mobile’s mobile phone retail stores within the Kyushu Electric Power service area. This discount service will be available for existing customers who currently subscribe on Kyushu Electric Power’s rate plans and are using Softbank and Y Mobile’s mobile services and fixed communication services. It is also targeted to these mobile providers’ users who have already subscribed or will subscribe to ‘Kirei (beautiful) Life Plus, a web-portal service which enables consumers to access their energy and gas consumption/rate plan. The two companies plan to continue to work together to develop and provide valuable services for customers.[2]

[1] https://www.softbank.jp/en/

[2] http://www.kyuden.co.jp/press_h190312b-1.html

[Japan] Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Released a Revised Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

On March 12, 2019, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) released a revised version of the Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. The revised strategic roadmap sets new specifications and cost breakdowns for basic hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, and provides goals and measures to promote the utilization of hydrogen resources and optimize hydrogen supply chains. The strategic road map aims to reduce the costs of hydrogen technologies considerably, accelerate the research and development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, explore potential markets for hydrogen electricity, and facilitate cooperation with other countries. The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy will host an expert working group to review the current progress of the achievements and implementation in the areas depicted in the roadmap.

The Strategic Road Map for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells was first released in 2014 and revised in 2016. The Agency developed three policy documents after the release of the strategic road map. The Basic Hydrogen Strategy was published in December 2017, the Fifth Strategic Energy Plan was released in July 2018, and the Tokyo Statement was issued in October 2018. Based on the strategic road map and these related policy documents, the Japanese government will promote public education about hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, and will seek cooperation with experts, academia, and other countries like the U.S. and France, in order to advance research activities and develop a legal framework.