[Japan] NEDO will Establish a Demonstration Research Site for Carbon Recycling Technology at Osaki Power Station

On August 5, 2020, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO, Headquarters: Tokyo) announced that it will establish a demonstration research site to promote the commercialization of carbon recycling technologies. The facility will be built within Osaki Power Station, a coal-fired power plant owned by Chugoku Electric Power (‎EnerGia, Headquarters: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture), located in Osakikamijima, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Osaki Coolgen[1], a clean coal technology subsidiary funded by EnerGia and Tokyo-based Japanese power producer J-Power, is currently demonstrating the feasibility of Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle (IGFC) and CO2 separation and capture technologies at the station with the support from NEDO. The decision to establish the new demonstration research site for carbon recycling technologies at the station is part of NEDO’s plans to aggregate multiple R&D capabilities at Osaki Power Station to accelerate the commercialization of carbon reduction technologies. NEDO will lead the establishment of the site in partnership with Osaki Coolgen.

NEDO will also fund the following additional projects to support the R&D and demonstration of CO2 utilization technologies.

·  Research and demonstration for producing concrete utilizing CO2 / EnerGia, Kajima, and Mitsubishi

·  Research and demonstration of synthesis technology for chemical products using carbon recycling / Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Osaka University

·  Development of Gas-to-Lipids Bioprocess / Hiroshima University, EnerGia

NEDO has provided total funding of approximately $5.7 million from FY2020 to FY2024 to support the creation of the demonstration research site and the three R&D projects.

NEDO’s funding for the site is part of a broader Japanese governmental effort to mitigate climate change through promoting carbon recycling technologies. In June 2019, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) issued a Roadmap for Carbon Recycling Technologies, which identified challenges and opportunities for the use of CO2 as fuel or raw materials.[2] In September 2019, METI established the Carbon Recycling 3C initiative, which identifies concrete activities that the Japanese government can carry out to accelerate the technological development of carbon recycling and utilization.[3] In January 2020, the Government of Japan issued the Innovative Environmental Innovation Strategy, which aims to develop technologies that will enhance global carbon neutrality and reduce CO2 emissions by 2050.[4][5]

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

[2] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190607002/20190607002.html

[3] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/09/20190925005/20190925005.html

[4] https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/energy_environment/kankyo_innovation/index.html

[5] https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/press/AA5_101342.html

[Japan] NEDO and the Advanced Hydrogen Energy Chain Association for Technology Development Jointly Conducted the World’s First Global Hydrogen Supply Chain Demonstration Project

On June 25, 2020, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO, Headquarters: Tokyo) and the Advanced Hydrogen Energy Chain Association for Technology Development (AHEAD, Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)[1] announced that they have conducted the world's first global hydrogen supply chain demonstration project, which transports hydrogen from Brunei Darussalam to Japan. NEDO is Japan’s largest public R&D funding organization specialized in innovative energy technologies. AHEAD was established in 2017 by four Japanese companies: global chemical engineering company Chiyoda (Headquarters: Yokomaha City, Kanagawa Prefecture)[2], Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen (Headquarters: Tokyo)[3], and two Japanese trading companies, Mitsui & Co (Headquarters: Tokyo)[4] and Mitsubishi (Headquarters: Tokyo).[5] AHEAD is an association that supports hydrogen research in order to accelerate the development of hydrogen supply chains.

The project uses the "organic chemical hydride method" to build the hydrogen supply chain. Methylcyclohexane (MCH) generated in Brunei is transported by sea to Japan. The MCH is then separated into hydrogen and toluene at a dehydrogenation plant located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The toluene is then sent back to Brunei’s hydrogeneration plant and processed to re-bond with hydrogen.

The first MCH transportation process was carried out in December 2019. The dehydrogenation plant in Kawasaki City began extracting hydrogen from MCH in April 2020 and has been supplying hydrogen to the gas turbine of the Mizue power plant owned by Toa Oil (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) since May 2020.[6] In June 2020, the project began transporting the toluene processed by the Kawasaki dehydrogenation plant to Brunei. NEDO and the AHEAD will operate the demonstration test until the end of 2020 to evaluate the performance of the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation plant equipment and identify any issues.

NEDO has contributed to the development of hydrogen technology since FY2015. Through this project, NEDO intends to establish a large-scale hydrogen utilization system that can transport hydrogen from overseas and use it for Japan’s hydrogen power generation.[7]

[1] https://www.ahead.or.jp/jp/organization.html

[2] https://www.chiyodacorp.com/jp/about/profile/

[3] https://www.nyk.com/profile/profile/

[4] https://www.mitsui.com/jp/ja/company/outline/profile/index.html

[5] https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/ja/about/profile/

[6] https://www.toaoil.co.jp/company/location.html

[7] https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/press/AA5_101322.html

[Japan] Kyushu Electric Power Signed a Business Partnership Agreement with NExT-e Solutions to Advance Storage Battery Reuse Technologies

On September 20, 2019, Kyushu Electric Power (Kyuden, headquartered in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture ) announced that it had signed a Business Partnership Agreement with NExT-e Solutions (NExT-eS), a Tokyo-based start-up company that specializes in advanced storage battery control technology , in order to advance storage battery reuse technologies.

The partnership is part of the KYUDEN i-PROJECT, which aims to promote innovation to provide new value to customers. NExT-eS is currently conducting a demonstration project to test large-scale stationary lithium-ion batteries’ storage systems in cooperation with NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization). The lithium-ion batteries are currently being used for solar power plants. Based on the results of the demonstration project, Kyuden and NExT-eS aim to commercialize 20MWW/20MWh stationary energy storage units by 2023.

［Japan］ The Second Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting and the First International Conference on Carbon Recycling were held by METI and NEDO in Tokyo

On September 25, 2019, a series of international conferences; the Second Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting and the First International Conference on Carbon Recycling, were held in Tokyo by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). NEDO is Japan’s largest public R&D funding institute specialized in new clean energy technologies.[1]

 Representatives from 35 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and France, as well as international organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Commission (EC), attended the Second Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting. The Meeting consisted of two sessions; a Ministerial Session and an International Organization Session.

 The Ministerial Session facilitated talks between countries and concluded the Global Action Agenda, setting goals and roadmaps for utilizing hydrogen energy as a key technology to reduce carbon emissions in the energy systems. During the International Organization Session, delegations from global leading companies, as well as the IEA and the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), presented the latest development efforts for hydrogen technologies. These technologies fall under the four areas of cross-cutting activities, transportation/mobility applications, hydrogen supply chains, and cross-sector integration.

 Simultaneously, representatives from 20 countries and international organizations participated in the First International Conference on Carbon Recycling. The conference marked the world’s first international meeting on carbon recycling technologies, and focused on promoting international collaborations. During the meeting, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Isshu Sugawara, presented on Japan’s “Carbon Recycling 3C Initiative ”, which stands for Caravan (promoting mutual exchanges), Center of Research, and Collaboration. This initiative aims to deepen knowledge about carbon recycling technologies overseas, establish research centers to specialize in R&D activities, and strengthen international collaborations. Representatives from various countries also shared their progress in carbon recycling technologies development.[2]

[1] https://www.nedo.go.jp/english/introducing_index.html

[2] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/09/20190927003/20190927003.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] NEDO Initiated a Database System Project to Improve the Operation of Wind Power Generation Facilities

The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) announced on August 23, 2018, that it has initiated a project to develop a database system to improve the operation of wind power generation facilities and reduce their operations and maintenance (O&M) costs.

Wind power generation’s installation and O&M costs in Japan are higher than in other countries. Furthermore, wind turbines in Japan are required to operate under severe weather conditions like typhoons and lightning strikes. In order to increase the installation of wind generation units and enhance their long-term operational stability in harsh environments, it is imperative to increase the reliability of wind turbines as well as reduce additional O&M costs, such as through technological developments to advance generation efficiency and optimize maintenance. The project aims to realize a wind turbine operation rate of 97% or more, and also seeks to reduce the downtime of the wind turbines and their O&M costs.

In this project, NEDO will develop a database system that collects and stores windmill operation data, including operational failure and accident information. The system will also provide failure prediction by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), analysis of past cases and information on early recovery from malfunctions and accidents.

[Japan] NEDO Completed Japan’s First Barge-Type Floating Offshore Wind Power Generation System

On August 10, 2018, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), along with other industrial partners, completed the development of a demonstration system for a next-generation floating offshore wind power generation system. The system is equipped with Japan’s first barge-type floating body and is paired with a compact 2-blade upwind-type wind turbine, which can be placed in shallow water areas up to a depth of approximately 50m. To ensure its safety even in severe weather and oceanic conditions, the system is equipped with 9 mooring systems, consisting of a combination of stud-less chains and high holding power anchors.

The NEDO-led consortium consists of Marubeni Corporation, Hitachi Zosen, Glocal, EcoPower, University of Tokyo, and Kyuden Mirai Energy. During the development process, Marubeni was responsible for cost analysis and coordinating with related organizations. Hitachi Zosen was engaged in designing the floating bodies, manufacturing, and installation work. Glocal played a central role in turbine selection and mooring systems development, while EcoPower was responsible for the environmental impact assessment. The University of Tokyo oversaw the performance evaluation of the system as well as outreach activities, and Kyuden Mirai Energy was in charge of grid interconnection and power quality evaluation.

NEDO will test the system in the sea area off the coast of Kitakyushu city by connecting electric power cables. After the test, the system will start its demonstration period from this fall to the end of FY2021. The electricity generated by the system will be transmitted to Kyushu Electric Power’s grid system.

[Japan] NEDO Published its Annual Report on Wind Power Generation Facilities and Installed Capacity in Japan for FY 2017

On June 28, 2018, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) announced the publication of its annual report on wind power generation facilities and installed capacity in Japan for FY 2017, as of the end of March 2018. The cumulative installed wind power capacity increased by 4.3% from the previous year to about 3.5 million kW, and the installed facilities increased by 2.5% to 2,253 units. In FY 2017, 54 wind power generation facilities with approximately 150,000 kW of capacity were installed.

NEDO publishes an updated report every fiscal year which highlights the current results of Japan’s wind power generation facilities and their installed capacity, based on interview surveys with Japanese power producers. The survey targets all grid-connected wind power energy producers with single-unit output of over 10 kW and total output of 20 kW or more. The survey’s questions include the wind power facility’s operating date, the name of the installer and manufacturer, the location (prefecture and municipality), total output, rated output, and the number of installed wind power facilities, etc.

[Japan] NEDO Completed the Construction of a Barge-type Floating Body for Next-Generation Floating Offshore Wind Power Generation System

On June 8, 2018, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) announced that NEDO and Hitachi Zosen Corporation have completed the construction of a barge-type floating body for a next-generation floating offshore wind power generation system. The key feature of the barge-type floating body is that it is smaller and lighter than the standard semi-submersible type floating body. The portion of the structure that is submerged under the water is minimized, which will enable wind farm operators to place this type of floating body in areas with approximately 50m of water depth.

This summer NEDO will set up the system, loading the floating body with a wind turbine and power cables at the demonstration site, which is approximately 15 km away from the Hibikinada district of the Kitakyushu Port. The system will start its actual operation this fall.

Based on the foundation structure supporting the wind turbine, offshore wind power generation can generally be divided into “bottom-mounted foundations,” which are fixed structures connected to the offshore foundations, and “floating-type” structures where the foundation is floating on the sea. According to NEDO’s research, the economic efficiency of floating-type wind power generation is higher than bottom-mounted wind power generation in the areas above 50m of water depth. In order to accelerate the introduction of offshore wind power generation, in addition to developing bottom-mounted wind power generation, it is essential for Japan to develop floating offshore wind power generation systems that can be placed into a wider area of shallow water, which led NEDO to conduct this demonstration project.