[Japan] TEPCO Power Grid Announced a Partnership Agreement on the Joint Development of New Digital Products and Services

On September 8, 2020, TEPCO Power Grid (Headquarters: Tokyo), in partnership with several Japanese companies, announced an agreement on the joint development and demonstration of new digital products and services in support of Japan’s Society 5.0 initiative. The Society 5.0 initiative, proposed by the Japanese Cabinet Office’s 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan in 2015, aims to achieve economic growth and address social challenges through a system that highly integrates cyberspace and physical space[1].[2] TEPCO Power Grid’s partners are Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, a Japanese insurance company owned by MS&AD Insurance Group (Headquarters: Tokyo); NTT DoCoMo (Headquarters: Tokyo), a major Japanese telecommunication company; and Energy Gateway (Headquarters: Tokyo), an Internet of Things (IoT) platform solutions provider established by Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO, Headquarters: Tokyo) in 2018.[3]

The partnership will collaboratively develop a variety of new digital products and services to tackle social challenges--including natural disasters, carbon emissions, and an aging population--by leveraging the four companies’ knowledge and expertise. By the end of FY2020, they will launch a demonstration test of new digital services to support disaster prevention and mitigation, energy savings, and remote monitoring to improve home-based senior and child care by collecting and analyzing residential energy consumption data to identify user behavior patterns and detect any anomalies. The test will be conducted through the DoCoMo IoT Managed Service, which provides customers with turnkey services, ranging from deployment to operations.

In the project, TEPCO Power Grid and Energy Gateway will be responsible for collecting power usage data and providing an application to control the sensors that collect data. NTT DoCoMo will support customers with the installation of IoT products at home and will provide post-installation monitoring services.[4] Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance will analyze power usage data and accident data to better understand fire risk, so that the firm can expand its insurance coverage and offer customers better discounts.[5]

[1] https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/english/society5_0/index.html

[2] https://onuglobal.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/japon_5basicplan_en.pdf

[3] https://www.energy-gateway.co.jp/company/summary.html

[4] https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/biz/service/managed_services/

[5] https://www.tepco.co.jp/pg/company/press-information/press/2020/1552478_8615.html

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Developed an AI-based Self-Driving Robot for Thermal Power Plant Inspections

On August 25, 2020, Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO, Headquarters: Osaka Prefecture) announced that it had developed an AI-based self-driving robot for inspecting thermal power plants. KEPCO partnered with K4 Digital (Headquarters: Osaka) and Kanden Systems (Headquarters: Osaka) to develop the robot. K4 Digital is a digital technology solution company jointly established by KEPCO and Accenture Japan (Headquarters: Tokyo) in 2018.[1] Kanden Systems is KEPCO’s wholly owned subsidiary that provides energy IT solutions.

Field workers need to conduct on-site inspections of thermal power plants on a regular basis, which requires substantial time and effort. Since Japan expects to face a labor shortage due to the future retirement of a large number of older workers, utility companies are concerned that they will face a shortage of skilled workers to conduct regular inspections. KEPCO’s robot design aims to address this expected labor shortage.

KEPCO, K4 Digital and Kanden Systems have worked together to develop the robot since December 2018. A demonstration testing for the robot that began in Sakaiko Power Station, Osaka, in December 2019, had successful results. The robot is expected to be introduced in KEPCO’s power plants and offered to other utilities in 2021.[2] [3]

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2018/0801_1j.html

[2] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2020/0825_1j.html

[3] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2020/pdf/0825_1j_01.pdf

[USA] Frontier Energy announces hydrogen pilot to tap Texas wind

On September 15, 2020, California-based Frontier Energy, Inc., in close collaboration with the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and the University of Texas at Austin, announced the launch of a Department of Energy (DOE) pilot project, Demonstration and Framework for H2@Scale in Texas and Beyond, which aims to fast track development of a hydrogen fuel that is both low-carbon and low-cost.[1] The project leaders hope to deploy a "dual-pathway" to the fuel by combining electrolysis, in which energy from wind or solar is used to split hydrogen from water molecules, with a production process that involves capturing landfill methane emissions. The project will be conducted at the University of Texas at Austin and the Port of Houston. The hydrogen produced at the University of Texas site will power a stationary fuel cell to provide power for the Texas Advanced Computing Center and supply a hydrogen station with fuel to fill a fleet of Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicles.

The project is backed by $10.8 million in startup funding. Half of this funding comes from the Department of Energy (DOE). Other partners include Shell and the utility Southern California Gas Co. which have taken an interest in developing carbon-free alternatives to natural gas.  OneH2, Texas Gas Service, Toyota Motor North America, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Air Liquide and PowerCell Sweden AB are also involved in the project. The project started on July 1, 2020 and will continue for three years.

[1] https://app.greenrope.com/users/myteam46356/Media214.pdf

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Developed a Drone to Conduct Chimney Inspections for Thermal Power Plants

On August 6, 2020, Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO, Headquarters: Osaka Prefecture) announced that it has developed a drone that can be used to inspect the interiors of chimneys installed at thermal power plants.

Traditionally, workers had to set up a scaffold inside the chimney to inspect the interior to identify any deterioration. This work posed some significant risks for worker safety because the height of chimneys installed at thermal power plants can reach approximately 200m.

The use of drones was previously considered to be too difficult since Global Positioning System (GPS) is not available inside the chimney. However, the drone developed by KEPCO is equipped with Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), a mapping technology that can determine the position and orientation of the drone, as well as LiDAR, a method for measuring distances, in order to enable autonomous drone operation without GPS. It is the first time that Japan has developed a drone technology that can determine the position of a drone in a cylindrical space where GPS is not available.

In addition to improving worker safety, the drone is expected to reduce the time necessary to conduct inspections by approximately 90% and the inspection costs by more than 50%.

KEPCO partnered with Kanso (Headquarters: Osaka), a civil engineering consulting company, and Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory (Headquarters: Tokyo), an autonomous control solutions company, to consider marketing the drone to utilities and local governments.[1] [2]

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2020/0806_1j.html

[2] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2020/pdf/0806_1j_01.pdf

[Japan] TEPCO Power Grid and Kansai Transmission and Distribution Jointly Launched the Smart Resilience Network

On August 5, 2020, TEPCO Power Grid (Headquarters: Tokyo) and Kansai Transmission and Distribution (Headquarters: Osaka Prefecture) announced that they have jointly launched the Smart Resilience Network, which aims to accelerate the implementation of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems to build more a sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure in Japan.

There has been increased pressure in recent years for companies to develop their infrastructure’s resilience to natural disasters, and to reduce their CO2 emissions as a part of their climate change mitigation activities. The Smart Resilience Network will invite partners from industry and academia to participate in data and information exchanges to explore ways to expand the use and applications of DER systems. The Network hopes that DER systems will facilitate the implementation of renewable energy and electrification activities such as the use of EVs in the mobility sector to reduce CO2 emissions. The network will also explore opportunities to use digital technologies, such as IoT and 5G, to integrate DER systems with local infrastructure for improved disaster resiliency and recovery.

TEPCO Power Grid and Kansai Transmission and Distribution see DER systems as potential solutions for accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon society, as well as supporting communities in their efforts to improve their disaster resilience.[1] [2]

[1] https://www.tepco.co.jp/pg/company/press-information/press/2020/1548526_8615.html

[2] https://www.tepco.co.jp/pg/company/press-information/press/2020/pdf/200805j0101.pdf

[USA] EPRI and GTI launch Low-Carbon Resources Initiative

On August 10, 2020, some of the nation’s largest utilities and energy firms launched the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative (LCRI), a $100 million initiative to bring early-stage technologies like clean energy and bioenergy to large-scale deployment in the 2030 to 2050 timeframe.[1][2] This five-year initiative will identify and accelerate development of promising technologies from around the world. Additionally, it will demonstrate and assess the performance of key technologies and identify possible improvements. Lastly, it will inform key stakeholders and the public about technology options and potential pathways to a low-carbon future.

The initiative was organized by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Gas Technology Institute (GTI). EPRI will provide $10 million in seed funding. The initiative's 18 members are American Electric Power; Con Edison; Dominion Energy; Duke Energy; Exelon Corporation; Lincoln Electric System; Los Angeles Department of Water & Power; Missouri River Energy Services; Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Americas; National Fuel; New York Power Authority; Portland General Electric; PPL Corporation; Salt River Project; SoCalGas; Southern California Edison; Southern Company; and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

[1] https://www.epri.com/lcri

[2] https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/08/20200811-lcri.html

[Japan] Hokuriku Electric Power and JFE Engineering Seeks to Expand the Use of AI-based WinmuSe System to Optimize Dam Operation

On June 12, 2020, Hokuriku Electric Power (Rikuden, Headquarters: Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture) and JFE Engineering, an engineering company headquartered in Tokyo, announced that they had jointly developed an optimal operating system for dams using AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology, which will help increase hydroelectricity power plants’ generation. The system mainly utilizes the WinmuSe, an AI-based water inflow forecasting application developed by JFE Engineering.

The two companies have jointly demonstrated WinmuSe at Rikuden’s Asaida Dam, located in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, since FY 2017. Its forecasting function was successfully improved through advanced analysis of large amounts of data related to Asaida Dam’s amount of rainfall and water inflow in past years. The results of the demonstration project showed excellent performance, with a high level of accuracy in forecasting water inflow. The project also confirmed that the system could be expected to increase the generation of hydroelectricity power plants by approximately 5 GWh per year.

Based on the results, Rikuden and JFE Engineering plan to apply the AI-based optimal operating system to other dams in the entire Jinzu River Water System, aiming to maximize their power generation.[1]

[1] http://www.rikuden.co.jp/press/attach/20061201.pdf

[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 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］ 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