[Japan] Osaka Gas Singapore and Energy Pro Established OE Solar in Thailand

Osaka Gas Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Osaka Gas, announced on July 3, 2019, that it and Energy Pro Corporation, a solar power company in Thailand, had agreed to jointly establish OE Solar in Thailand. OE Solar will supply the electricity generated from solar energy to commercial and industrial customers in Thailand. OE Solar will install photovoltaic facilities on building roofs or grounds surfaces owned by its customers to produce electricity for a 15-to-20-year supply.

Daigas Group, which owns Osaka Gas, has expressed its intention to explore overseas energy business opportunities in “Going Forward Beyond Borders 2030”, its long-term management vision and medium-term plan. Daigas Group is targeting the Southeast Asian market and intends to increase its investment in the region. In accordance with Daigas Group’s goal to secure at least 1 GW of renewable energy by about 2030, the establishment of OE Solar will be Osaka Gas’s first involvement in a renewable energy generation project in Southeast Asia.

Thailand expects in its Power Development Plan 2018 that renewable energy will account for 20% (excluding hydropower imports) of all power sources in the nation in 2037. This is why renewable energy is attracting increasing attention in Thailand.[1]

[Japan] Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy Held Meeting to Discuss Japan’s Energy Strategy

On July 1, 2019, Japan’s Strategic Policy Committee of Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy held its first meeting in six months to exchange views on recent energy trends and to consider the progress of policies for energy conversion and decarbonization in Japan. The meeting was held after the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy Transitions and Global Environment for Sustainable Growth, which was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on June 15 and 16.[1],[2]

During the meeting, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy briefed the Strategic Policy Committee on the agreement that was concluded during the G20 Ministerial Meeting on the importance of energy conversion, and the concept of a virtuous cycle for the environment and growth. The Agency also reported on recent trends and changes in energy security issues, including the energy supply and demand, geopolitical risk, environmental awareness, energy technology, and Japan’s position on energy policy.  

After the briefing, the Strategic Policy Committee members gave their opinions on various issues. Given the rising tensions in the Middle East, the committee expressed the need to develop alternative plans to secure Japan’s crude oil supply without transiting the Strait of Hormuz, since currently about 80% of Japan’s crude oil supply transits through the area. Regarding the use of nuclear power, the committee raised its concerns about the lack of a clear strategy to promote nuclear power, despite the fact that the Japanese government has set a goal to expand nuclear energy from 20% to 22% of the country's energy mix by 2030. The committee also discussed the importance of technology innovation, such as IoT and digitalization, and emphasized that the government needs to consider how to promote innovation, solicit private investment, and utilize data, particularly for energy management and integration with other fields, such as the electrification of the transportation sector. [3]

[1] https://www.jaif.or.jp/190701-1

[2] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190618008/20190618008.html

[3] https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/committee/council/basic_policy_subcommittee/029/pdf/029_006.pdf

[USA] “NextEra Energy Transmission Completes Acquisition of Underwater Transmission Cable System”

[NextEra Energy, 16 July 2019]

NextEra Energy Transmission, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, has finalized its acquisition of Trans Bay Cable, LLC. Trans Bay Cable is a transmission utility that owns a 53-mile high-voltage dc underwater transmission cable system. This cable system goes from Pittsburgh, California to San Francisco, California. Jim Robo, chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, said of the acquisition, “This transaction furthers our goal of creating America's leading competitive transmission company and is consistent with our strategy of adding high-quality regulated assets to our portfolio."

[USA] “Portland General Electric’s Ambitious Smart Grid Test Bed Launches”

[Portland General Electric, 15 July 2019]

Portland General Electric (PGE) has launched its latest venture into new and innovative technologies, the Smart Grid Test Bed. The Test Bed aims to “integrate smart grid technology on a scale never before attempted in the United States.” The project will cover three neighborhoods in its service territory – and over 20,000 of their customers will be able to participate in the demand response programs involved with the test bed; they will also be able to receive incentives for using smart-home technologies. The pilot will also help boost the development of distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, batteries, thermostats, water heaters, and EV charging.  PGE hopes this project will be a major step in creating a virtual power plant and “will help address climate change, empower communities in how they consume energy and create a more resilient power system, all while saving customers money.”

[USA] “Governor Phil Scott Details Initiatives to Increase Electric Vehicles in Vermont”

[Office of Governor Phil Scott, 12 July 2019]

Phil Scott, the Governor of Vermont, is steadily working on boosting the use of EVs in Vermont. Vermont has a Comprehensive Energy Plan that targets having 50,000 plug-in electric vehicles (with Vermont registration) by 2025; there are only 3,100 PEVs registered to the state at the moment. In his FY 2020 budget, Scott also suggested a $1.1 million incentive to encourage low and moderate-income residents to purchase or lease and EV. In addition, the state released a Transportation Bill that stipulates requirements for encouraging the development and deployment of public chagrining infrastructure. Governor Scott said of EVs, “Electrifying the transportation sector will help clean the air and keep millions of dollars within our economy. While more work needs to be done, Vermont has taken strong steps toward a renewable transportation sector. Accelerating vehicle electrification will continue to be a priority of my Administration.”

[Japan] Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Established a New Company in the Philippines to Expand its Business Opportunities

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) announced on June 24, 2019, that it had established “MHPS (Philippines) Plant Services Corporation (MHPS-PSC)” in the Philippines. Since MHPS already had a local boiler manufacturing factory in the Philippines, the launch of the MHPS-PSC aims to expand the company’s local business opportunities by providing services for thermal power plants.

MHPS has a lot of past experience with receiving orders and supplying equipment for thermal and geothermal generation facilities in the Philippines. There has been increasing local demand for the modernization of power plants and the associated efficiency improvements, due to the increased electricity demand as a result of economic growth. Accordingly, the MHPS established the MHPS-PSC in order to secure future opportunities to expand its business operations.

MHPS-PSC’s local parent company, MHPS-PLH, set up a head office and a boiler factory in Batangas City in southern Luzon, and the new head office of MHPS-PSC was established at a MHPS-PLH’s property. The MHPS-PSC began operating with about 50 employees, exploring business opportunities throughout the entire nation. Meanwhile, MHPS-PLH will assist MHPS-PSC by providing manufacturing and maintenance services from its own boiler factory. The two companies will work together on increasing their market share in Southeast Asia, taking fully advantages of synergistic effects.

[Japan] Chubu Electric Power, Keio University, and Hitachi Validated a Method to Detect Cyberattacks by Analyzing Darknet Communications

On June 18, 2019, Chubu Electric Power, Keio University, and Hitachi announced that they have validated a method to detect the evidence of difficult-to-identify cyberattacks by analyzing Darknet communications.[1] These efforts will contribute to preventing the potential damage caused by cyberattacks.

While digitalization has enhanced convenience in everyday life, it also increases the risks of cyberattacks. It is urgent for society to address cyber security challenges and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure. Accordingly, Keio University, Chubu Electric Power, and Hitachi have been studying Darknet communications since April 2017. After analyzing a vast number of Darknet communications, approximately 20 million cases per day, the study confirmed that the sign of cyberattacks could be identified by tracking and using correlation analysis on the communications made by multiple organizations.

[1] The darknet communications are online hidden communications that are designed specifically for anonymity.

[Japan] Japan, the EU and the United States Announced a Joint Statement on Cooperation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies

On June 15, 2019, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI), the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy (EC, ENER) and the U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) announced a joint statement on future cooperation on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, promising to enhance the mutual cooperation among the three counties/regions. Japan, the EU, and the U.S. have been contributing to various efforts to develop hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for more than 30 years, and are global leaders in this field.

While the three governmental organizations have already been working with other countries through various international collaborations and partnerships, they decided that this new collaboration will advance the research on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. They will pursue how to effectively develop and implement a cooperation framework, based on their energy consensus on hydrogen technology. The framework would possibly be created through a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) in preparation for the 2nd Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will be held on September 25, 2019.

The proposed MOC would promote the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, focusing on specific aspects under the “Tokyo Statement”, which was released at the Second Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting held on October 23, 2018. These include promoting technical cooperation and harmonizing regulations, codes, and standards; facilitating international joint research and development on hydrogen, sharing information on hydrogen safety and the supply chain; investigating and studying hydrogen’s potential for reducing CO2 emissions and other emissions; and supporting communication, education, and outreach.

[USA] “Duke Energy Passes Major Renewable Milestone: 1 Gigawatt of Owned Solar Energy Capacity”

[Duke Energy, 2 July 2019]

Duke Energy’s North Rosamond Solar Facility came online this past June, and with it, Duke “passed the 1 GW threshold of utility-scale owned and operated solar facilities nationwide.” Duke energy’s solar portfolio is spread over 10 states and includes nearly 70 projects amounting to 1.1 GW – which at peak, could power around 2 million homes. Most of these projects are located in North Carolina, where the utility owns 40 solar facilities. In addition to its owned solar, Duke is also a large purchaser of solar energy. As a result, Duke’s 4 GW of owned and purchased renewables account for over 9% of it’s total generated electricity. Rob Caldwell, senior vice president of Duke and president of Duke Energy Renewables & Business Development, stated that, “One GW is a notable milestone, but we have plans for much more.”

[USA] “Construction Begins on Dominion Energy Offshore Wind Project”

[Dominion Energy, 1 July 2019] 

Dominion Energy has begun construction of their new Offshore Wind project that can be found off the coast of Virginia. The wind site consists of two 6 MW turbines that once online, the project will supply 3,000 homes with power at peak. Dominion has partnered with Ørsted, a Danish offshore wind developer, is supporting Dominion with the offshore aspects of the project, while the L.E. Myers Company is covering the onshore construction work. Customers are not expected to face a rate increase for this pilot project as stipulated in the Grid Transformation and Security Act of 2018; instead, the project will be funded from through existing base rates. Dominion plans to continue their investments in wind with a goal of investing $1.1 billion by 2023.

[Japan] Hokkaido Electric Power has Partnered with INDETAIL To Conduct Blockchain Electric Vehicle Platform Research

Hokkaido Electric Power and a Japanese blockchain company, INDETAIL[1], announced on June 6, 2019, that they have jointly conducted research on the construction of electric vehicle (EV) platforms.

With the widespread use of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (EVs), the research project aims to facilitate the development of a platform for the management of EV charging stations by utilizing blockchain technology and Internet of Things (IoT). These advanced technologies will provide EV charging station owners and users with value-added services to improve their convenience. Through the internet, the owners will be able to perform automatic payment procedures, check the charging status of each EV charging station, and set up flexible pricing; while users can check the location/availability of the EV stations and make reservations for EV charging stations through their smartphones.

In 2019, the project will design and simulate the system for the platform. The demonstration project will be carried out after 2020. Hokkaido Electric Power will analyze the current status of EV stations in Hokkaido and will identify the requirements for building an EV platform. Meanwhile, INDETAIL will provide consulting on the use of blockchain technology. Hokkaido Electric Power and INDETAIL plan to jointly file a patent application in June 2019.[2]

[1] https://www.indetail.co.jp/company/

[2] https://www.hepco.co.jp/info/2019/1240521_1803.html

[Japan] J-Power and Chugoku Electric Power Would Begin Examining the Potential for Carbon Recycling Technology through an Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle Demonstration Project

On June 5, 2019, J-Power[1], a Japanese power producer, and Chugoku Electric Power announced that they would begin examining the potential for carbon recycling technology through an Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle (IGFC) Demonstration Project conducted by Osaki CoolGen[2]. Osaki CoolGen was established by J-Power and Chugoku Electric Power, which aims to develop the next-generation clean coal technologies. It is also supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Based on the Paris Agreement, the Japanese government has been seeking to advance carbon recycling technology that uses CO2 as a resource, as a part of CO2 Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology. Osaki CoolGen’s IGFC Demonstration Project, as part of Japan’s efforts to contribute to CO2 emission reduction, plans to carry out a test of CO2 capture technology from this coming December to FY 2020. Based on the results, J-Power and Chugoku Electric Power will consider demonstrating the carbon recycling technology that can be deployed for a wide variety of purposes by using CO2 captured from coal-fired power plants. The project will also research how to liquefy and transport the collected CO2 to targeted facilities as well as how to utilize it in various applications, including the acceleration of biofuel production from microalgae, production of concrete materials containing CO2, etc.[3]

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

[2] https://www.osaki-coolgen.jp/

[3] https://b2b-ch.infomart.co.jp/news/detail.page?IMNEWS1=1490873

[Japan] The Japanese Cabinet Approved the FY 2018 Annual Report on Energy (Japan’s Energy White Paper 2019)

On June 7, 2019, the Japanese Cabinet approved the Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Report on Energy, known as “Japan’s Energy White Paper 2019”, created by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In accordance with Article 11 of the Basic Act on Energy Policy (Act No. 71 of 2002), ANRE publishes the Japan’s Energy White Paper each year and submits it to the National Diet. The White Paper highlights the current energy trends in Japan and provides a general overview of major efforts/activities that were implemented in the previous fiscal year.

The 2019 White Paper covers the current progress of reconstruction in Fukushima Prefecture; the implementation of global warming countermeasures based on the Paris Agreement; and recently implemented measures to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructures. For the reconstruction efforts in Fukushima Prefecture, the Government of Japan has been tackling various challenges, including promoting the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework[1], [2], rebuilding the reputation of local agricultural and fishery products, controlling contaminated water, and making decommissioning progress, such as removing fuel from Unit 3 of the Fukushima nuclear power plant.[3]

The White Paper also compares the current progress and situation of Japan’s CO2 emission reduction efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets, with other major countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Germany. It also analyzes the per capita CO2 emissions in OECD countries, as well as their renewable energy ratio and demand scale, with current activities to increase renewable energy sources deployment.[4] The White Paper also provides a brief overview of the recovery efforts for major disasters that occurred in 2018, including Typhoon #24 and the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake.[5], [6]

[1] After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear disaster, the Government of Japan developed and adopted the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework in order to support the community to rebuild the region. The Framework aims to revitalize industry in the Hama-Dori area in Fukushima Prefecture.

[2] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2018/01/20190123004/20190123004.html

[3] p. 5. https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/en/category/whitepaper/pdf/2019_outline.pdf

[4] p. 9. https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190607001/20190606001-2.pdf

[5] p. 15. https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190607001/20190606001-2.pdf

[6] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190607001/20190607001.html

[USA] “Gov. Whitner, MDARD to Allow Commercial Solar Panels on Michigan Farmland”

[The Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, 3 June 2019]

Michigan Governor Whitmer along with the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will allow land “currently enrolled in the department’s Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program to be used for commercial solar array purposes.” There is currently 3.4 million acres of farmland that is enrolled under the state’s Farmland and Open Space Preservation program (which provides tax incentives for landowners to keep their land for agricultural use only. By changing this rule to allow commercial solar panels, the state’s clean energy program will also grow. If an area is converted back to open land after the use of solar panels, the policy also dictates conditions to ensure this is properly done. MDARD Director Gary McDowell stated of the effort, ““This administrative decision will not result in a loss of useable farmland. The change ensures that Michigan’s farmland is preserved so we can continue to feed our communities while also balancing the need to develop renewable energy sources. This is an exciting new opportunity for Michigan's farmers to diversify while they continue to face challenging circumstances.”

[USA] “Ameresco Helps Town of Westport, Massachusetts Transform Closed Landfill into Source of Renewable Energy and Revenue”

[Ameresco, 11 June 2019]

Ameresco, an energy efficiency and renewable energy company, has partnered with the city of Westport, Massachusetts to install a 622 KW DC solar panel facility at the city’s shuttered landfill. Ameresco will be responsible for the facility’s “design, construction, operations and maintenance of the solar farm, at its own expense.” This project has been a goal for this town for the past 10 years by turning a “non-productive asset (the closed landfill) for a revenue-generating activity” while also meeting the city’s clean energy goals. The project will begin operation in August of 2019.

[USA] “Deputy Secretary Brouillette Statement on G20 Energy and Environment Ministerial”

[Department of Energy, 18 June 2019]

G20 Energy and Environment Ministers met in Karuizawa, Japan and at the end of their meeting, they release a joint communique saying that it is important to talk about how best to lead energy transitions and still improve the “’3E+S’ (Energy Security, Economic Efficiency, and Environment + Safety). This message also takes important note of the issue of climate change and changes in the environment. In his statement about the meeting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, Dan Broillette:

·         Thanked Japan for hosting the meeting

·         Said that the G20 continues to support strengthening the energy security of all countries

·         Agreed that energy diversity is vital to achieving energy security

·         Condemned the oil tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

·         Stated that “according to the IEA, the United States has reduced our energy-related emissions more than any nation”

·         Appreciates the G20 members achievement of finalizing a “reasonable and common-sense communique”

[Japan] Keidanren Provides Comments on Japan’s Long-Term Growth Strategy under the Paris Agreement

Japan’s Ministry of Environment released a draft Long-Term Growth Strategy under the Paris Agreement on April 25, 2019. The released plan sets goals for industry and transportation sector to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve carbon neutral society. It aims to expedite the research and development of innovative renewable energy; promote novel financing of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and green investment; and facilitate international cooperation on green policies.[1] The Ministry sought public comments on the draft strategy from April 25th to May 16th, 2019[2].

On May 16, 2019, Japan Business Federation released its comments on the strategy. Japan Business Federation, also known as 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.[3]

Keidanren’s recommendations for the Long-Term Growth Strategy are for Japan to take a flexible approach toward its carbon reduction goal of 80% by 2050, which Keidanren views as an ambitious, long-term goal. Keidanren agreed with the Long-Term Growth Strategy on the importance of facilitating energy transformation through ensuring a balance of ‘Safety + Energy Security, Economy, and Environment (S+3E)’. However, Keidanren emphasized that it hopes that Japan will continue to use nuclear power and high efficiency thermal power alongside the development of next-generation transmission and distribution networks.  

In its comments, Keidanren opposes the implementation of carbon pricing, such as carbon taxes and emission trading, arguing that it is necessary to hold professional and technical discussions regarding carbon pricing, based on the impact on the industry. Keidanren is concerned that carbon pricing will weaken Japan’s competitiveness due to the higher energy costs, and that carbon pricing may disrupt innovation by diverting investments from R&D.[4]

[1] https://www.env.go.jp/press/files/jp/111437.pdf

[2] https://www.env.go.jp/press/106752.html

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

[4] http://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/2019/043.html

[Japan] Kyushu Electric Power Acquired Shares of an Electricity Generating Public Company in Thailand

Kyushu Electric Power announced on May 14, 2019, that it would participate in the management of Electricity Generating Public Company (EGCO), one of the largest Independent Power Producers in Thailand, by indirectly acquiring about 6% of its shares.

Kyushu Electric Power purchased a 25% share of TEPDIA Generating B.V. (TEPDIA), a Thailand based power generation company, from Mitsubishi Corporation. TEPDIA owned a 24.57% share of EGCO. Kyushu Electric Power has endeavored to expand its overseas electricity business. The ownership of EGCO has contributed the company’s equity ownership in overseas electricity generation projects, which has reached approximately 2,300MW.[1]

In addition to Mitsubishi Corporation, JERA[2], a Japanese energy business company, also participates in EGCO’s management.

EGCO was established by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand in 1992 and currently operates 27 power plants (total equity ownership: 5,154MW) in six countries, including Thailand. EGCO has been focusing on renewable energy, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.

[1] http://www.kyuden.co.jp/press_h190514-1

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

[Japan] Tokyo Electric Power Company Demonstrated its Remote Data Collection Capabilities for Maintenance and Inspection, Using an Underwater Vehicle and a Drone at Choshi Offshore Wind Farm

On May 14, 2019, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) announced that it had completed a demonstration of its remote data collection capabilities for maintenance and inspection, using a remotely controlled underwater vehicle and a drone at the Choshi offshore wind power farm. The demonstration was conducted from November 2018 to January 2019 to examine the feasibility of automating remote maintenance and inspection activities for offshore wind farms. In the future, the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and drones is expected to improve the efficiency of maintenance and inspection activities in harsh environments. 

The demonstration project confirmed that the underwater vehicle was able to be controlled remotely and take images under difficult conditions, such as in murky and/or turbulent water, at water depths of ​​20m or less. The drone test demonstrated that it can take images of turbine blades to inspect any damage or dirt while the wind turbines were turned off. Based on the results of the project, TEPCO will further examine how to improve the efficiency of autonomous underwater vehicles under severe conditions, and how to enable the use of drones while the wind turbine blades are running.

［USA］First Solar, Rocky Mountain Power to Deliver Clean Energy for Facebook Data Center

[First Solar, 30 May 2019]

First Solar’s Cove Mountain 2 solar power plant will provide energy to Facebook’s Eagle Mountain Data Center in Utah through a Power Purchase Agreement with Rocky Mountain Power (part of PacifiCorp and Berkshire Hathaway Energy). Cove Mountain 2 will be a 122 MW AC site and will begin its operations in 2020. The project is expected to provide electricity equivalent to 36,000 average Utah homes to Facebook and through the use of solar energy, it is equivalent to removing 46,000 cars from the road. In addition, the project is expected to save 800 million liters of water annually. Paul Clements, Director of Energy and Infrastructure at Facebook, stated, “This project is an important part of our commitment to support all of our data centers and offices with 100 percent renewable energy in 2020. Our data centers are among the most water- and energy-efficient facilities in the world. Working with First Solar and Rocky Mountain Power allows us to ensure that our data center will be supported by new renewable energy resources – like this solar power plant – in the same electrical grid as our data center.”