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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[2] http://novars.jp/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Japan] METI held the First Distributed Energy Platform Conference

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

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

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

(1) How to visualize the value of renewable energy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

［Japan］ Japan’s Electric Power Council for a Low Carbon Society Released its Vision for a Long-Term Global Warming Strategy

On October 2, 2019, Japan’s Electric Power Council for a Low Carbon Society (ELCS) published its vision for a long-term global warming strategy, “the Future Direction and Contribution of Japan’s Electric Utilities to a Low-Carbon Society.” The ELCS was established in February 2016, primarily by Japanese electric utilities as well as independent power producers in order to promote effective global warming measures in the power generation sector, while ensuring ‘Safety + Energy Security, Economy, and Environment (S+3E)’. The ELCS’ vision is in accordance with the Japanese government’s two latest energy policies—The 5th Strategic Energy Plan (2018)[1] and Japan's Long-term Strategy under the Paris Agreement (2019)[2], and shares the same concepts to achieve a low-carbon society.

 In order to shift to a low-carbon society by reducing CO2 emissions on a global scale, the ELCS plan sets out four basic goals:

·  Pursuing a dynamic energy mix to achieve a reliable and affordable energy supply, as well as promoting environmental preservation, based on safety assurance concepts

·  Moving forward with low-carbon power and electrification through comprehensive energy savings and an optimized energy mix

·   Promoting the development and deployment of innovative technologies to achieve significant CO2 emission reductions

·   Reducing CO2 emissions on a global scale through international contributions, by promoting the export of Japan’s low-carbon infrastructure technologies as well as expanding Japanese companies’ business activities overseas[3]

As of August 2019, the ELCS has 47 members, including Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO, Headquarter: Osaka Prefecture), Kyushu Electric Power (Kyuden, Headquarter: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture[4]) and other electric utilities as well as power producers.[5] [6]

[1] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2018/07/20180703001/20180703001.html

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

[3] https://e-lcs.jp/news/4f009a368ebd6e5470ac256416bc2de8a7dbe962.pdf

 [4] https://www.kyuden.co.jp/english_company_outline_index.html

[5] https://e-lcs.jp/member.html

[6] https://e-lcs.jp/news/detail/000183.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] JERA Offers Comprehensive Engineering and O&M Services for Biomass Power Generation Company in Japan

JERA, a joint venture between Tokyo Electric Power Fuel & Power (headquartered in Tokyo)[1] and Chubu Electric Power (headquartered in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)[2], announced that it will provide comprehensive services for Kamisu Biomass Power Generation LLC. JERA is one of the largest power producers in the world, and owns several LNG receiving terminals and power generation assets. JERA participates in a wide variety of business activities, including investing in power plant development projects, fuel procurement and fuel trading, and operations and maintenance (O&M) services.[3] Through this contract, JERA will provide comprehensive services, including planning, design, construction, and O&M services, for Kamisu Biomass Power Station, which will be built in Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

 The Kamisu Biomass Power Station is expected to generate a total output of 50MW, and will begin commercial operations in September 2023. The power station will be built and operated by leveraging JERA’s experience from operating 26 domestic thermal power stations. JERA will continue expanding its O&M services to customers in Japan and overseas, as part of its goal to secure O&M service contracts for 80GW of power generation by FY2025.[4]

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

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

[3] https://www.jera.co.jp/english/business

[4] https://www.jera.co.jp/information/20190930_399

［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] Kansai Electric Power Began Commercial Operations at Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Plant in Laos

On September 6, 2019, Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO), headquartered in Osaka Prefecture, announced that it has begun commercial operation of Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Plant in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) on September 5.

 The Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Plant’s construction began in October 2014. The plant consists of two power stations; the main power station has a generation capacity of approximately 270MW, and the re-regulation power station has a capacity of 20MW. The main power station is equipped with a large-scale dam, which is 167m high and 530m long. The plant is a Build Operate Transfer (BOT) project and supplies 1.6 billion kWh of electricity in Laos and Thailand annually. The hydropower plant is located on the Nam Ngiep River, one of the tributaries of Mekong River which flows across the border between Laos and Thailand.

 In April 2006, KEPCO signed a project development agreement (PDA) with the Laos government. In April 2013, a joint venture, Nam Ngiep 1 Power Company (NNP1) was established to develop the Nam Ngiep 1 project. The joint venture members are KEPCO, EGAT International, a subsidiary of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and Lao Holding State Enterprise, a subsidiary of the Laos government. The NNP1 is headquartered in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.[1] In August 2013, NNP1 entered into a 27-year power purchasing agreement (PPA) with EGAT and Électricité du Laos (EDL).[2]

[1] https://namngiep1.com/about-us/

[2] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2019/0906_1j.html

[Japan] Chugoku Electric Power Revised Its Electricity Rates

Chugoku Electric Power Company (Chugoku EPCo), headquartered in Hiroshima Prefecture, announced on August 28, 2019, that it will revise the electricity rates for seven of its electricity plans, starting from April 1, 2020. Revisions are planned for the “Time-of-Use Plan,” “Family Time Plan,” “Peak Shift Plan” and “Midnight Power Plan,” among others.

 Since 1966, Chugoku EPCo has set its nighttime electricity rates at affordable prices to encourage nighttime electricity consumption. However, in recent years, Chugoku EPCo has seen a change in customers’ electricity usage patterns, leading to increasing nighttime electricity demands along with reduced daytime demand. The change reflects the expansion of solar power generation and the progress of energy efficiency. As a result, it has become more costly to generate electricity for nighttime use. In response, Chugoku EPCo will raise the nighttime electricity rate by 2.99 yen per 1kWh, while lowering the daytime rate[1].

[1] http://www.energia.co.jp/press/2019/12018.html

[Japan] Equipment Damage and Power Losses Caused by Typhoon #15 (“Faxai”) within TEPCO Power Grid’s Service Area

On September 9, 2019, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), headquartered in Tokyo, announced the status of equipment damage and power losses within its service area that were caused by Typhoon #15.

 The Typhoon #15 caused power losses in approximately 934,900 households in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, mostly in Chiba, Kanagawa, and Ibaraki Prefectures. As of 11:30 AM of September 9, approximately 858,800 homes within the TEPCO Power Grid service area were without power. In addition, two steel towers that were close to Kimitsu City in Chiba Prefecture had collapsed. [1] TEPCO has received support for the repair work from Tohoku Electric Power (Headquarters: Miyagi Prefecture), Hokuriku Power Electric (Headquarters: Toyama Prefecture) and Chubu Electric Power (Headquarters: Aichi Prefecture)*.

 As of September 18, repair work was still continuing in some towns and cities in Chiba Prefecture. TEPCO is assisting the local governments’ repair work by providing them with equipment, including portable generators, rechargers, mobile phone rechargers, LED lamps, electric vehicles, and power supply equipment.[2],[3]

 *According to JEPIC-USA, as of September 18, 2019, nine Japanese utility companies from across Japan, including Hokkaido Electric Power Company (Headquarters: Hokkaido) and Okinawa Electric Power Company (Headquarters: Okinawa Prefecture), dispatched their repair workers and vehicle-mounted electricity generators to the TEPCO Power Grid service area.

[1] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/1517227_8709.html

[2] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/news/2019/1517631_8967.html

[3] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/1517587_8709.html

[Japan] Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings and Chubu Electric Power Will Jointly Establish a Next-generation Mobility Company

On August 27, 2019, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO HD) and Chubu Electric Power reached an agreement to jointly establish e-Mobility Power co., Inc., a next-generation mobility company. e-Mobility Power is expected to be officially launched on October 1, 2019. The total investment in e-Mobility Power is about 5 billion yen, 60% of the capital from TEPCO HD and 40% from Chubu Electric Power.

 e-Mobility Power will leverage TEPCO HD and Chubu Electric Power’s knowledge and expertise in the construction, maintenance, and operation of energy infrastructure, as well as their expertise regarding quick charging methods for electric vehicles (EV), such as the CHAdeMO[1] charging method, which was developed in collaboration with automakers. The company aims to deliver services for consumers so that “anyone can charge [their] EV at a reasonable price, anytime, anywhere”.[2]

[1] https://www.chademo.com/about-us/what-is-chademo/

[2] http://www.chuden.co.jp/corporate/publicity/pub_release/press/3271660_21432.html

[Japan] Tokyo Electric Power Holdings, Chubu Electric Power, Hitachi and Toshiba Agree to Develop Boiling Water Reactors

On August 28, 2019, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO HD), Chubu Electric Power, Hitachi and Toshiba Corporation signed a basic agreement to explore a potential collaboration to develop a business framework for nuclear energy business for boiling water reactors (BWR).

 The four companies hope to improve the safety and economic viability of BWR nuclear power plants. They have exchanged opinions and information on nuclear power plant operations and maintenance, and on improving their manufacturing and engineering capabilities.

 The companies seek to strengthen cooperation on developing safe and affordable BWR operations, and to bolster their capabilities to construct and operate nuclear power plants. Through this collaboration, TEPCO HD and Chubu Electric Power will share their knowledge about nuclear power plant operations and maintenance, and Hitachi and Toshiba will provide their knowledge and experience in manufacturing and engineering processes. [1],[2]

[1] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/1516677_8709.html

[2] http://www.tepco.co.jp/press/release/2019/pdf3/190828j0101.pdf

[Japan] The Japan Atomic Energy Commission Published its White Paper on Nuclear Energy 2018

The Japan Atomic Energy Committee (JAEC) published its White Paper on Nuclear Energy 2018 on September 2, 2019. The White Paper covers the decommissioning and waste management of nuclear power plants. There are currently 24 reactors that are undergoing decommissioning in Japan. In addition, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has announced its plans to decommission 43 nuclear research facilities.

 The White Paper discusses the current status of decommissioning and the lessons learned from other countries’ practices on decommissioning and waste management. The paper introduces decommissioning case studies from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and highlights the importance of designing efficient work plans, engagement with stakeholders and regulatory authorities, waste management and technology development, and building trust with the local community.

 The White Paper also discusses the progress of the recovery efforts in Fukushima Prefecture after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, nuclear energy’s importance for energy security and climate change, Japan’s role in promoting nuclear safety and security within the international community, and the need to build a nuclear platform through promoting innovation and developing a skilled labor force.

 Since the establishment of JAEC in 1956, the White Paper on Nuclear Energy has been published annually until 2010, the year before the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. The publishing of the White Paper was resumed in 2017 in order to fulfill JAEC’s responsibility to inform the Japanese people about Japan’s nuclear energy usage.[1]

[1] http://www.aec.go.jp/jicst/NC/about/hakusho/hakusho2019/zentai.pdf

[Japan] Hokkaido Electric Power Company and Green Power Investment Reach an Agreement to Collaborate on Developing Offshore Wind Power Systems

On August 8, 2019, Hokkaido Electric Power Company (hereafter “Hokkaido EPCO”)  and Green Power Investment (GPI), a wind power developer, announced that they reached an agreement to jointly work on offshore wind power systems located in Ishikari Bay in Hokkaido. Hokkaido EPCO will work with GPI in order to expand its wind power business in the region.  GPI has been developing a solar power plant in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture. It is also building a 121,600 kW-capacity Wind Farm in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, expected to be completed in 2020.[1]

 Hokkaido EPCO and GPI will jointly develop two projects in Ishikari City, including the Ishikari Bay New Port Wind Power Plant Installation Project and the Offshore Wind Power Generation Project in Ishikari Bay. Based on the agreement, GPI will be responsible for development and construction of the offshore wind power systems, and Hokkaido EPCO will provide technical support and regional response support.[2]

 These projects were supported by the law on promotion of use of territorial waters for offshore renewable energy generation facilities. The law, which took effect in April 2019, was introduced to promote deployment of offshore wind power generation in Japan. The government wants to promote offshore wind and other kinds of renewable energy generation in order to enhance national energy security and reduce environmental impact.

[1] http://greenpower.co.jp/businessoverview/

[2] https://www.hepco.co.jp/info/2019/1243171_1803.html

[Japan] Miyagi Prefecture and Tohoku Electric Power Company Jointly Conduct a Pilot Project for a Virtual Power Interchange System and Virtual Power Plants

On August 8, 2019, Miyagi Prefecture announced that it has partnered with Tohoku Electric Power Company to conduct a pilot project for a virtual power interchange system and virtual power plants (VPP). The project aims to advance the efficiency of renewable energy by using digital technology.

 The project will begin operation soon and run until March 2021. It will test VPP and P2P (peer-to-peer) energy sharing using solar power generation facilities and storage batteries installed in 7 regional joint government offices in Miyagi Prefecture. The electricity produced by solar power and electricity demand in each building will be measured via blockchain technology. The project will also examine how to transfer surplus electricity from one building to another, verifying the effect of P2P energy sharing. Additionally, a storage battery installed in the Kesennuma regional joint government office will be remotely monitored and optimally controlled by a VPP to extend the life of the storage battery and verify its capability to balance power supply and demand.[1]

[1] http://www.tohoku-epco.co.jp/news/normal/1202078_1049.html

[Japan] 10 Japanese Power Utility Companies Launch a One-Stop Shop for Electric Pole Location Information Data

On August 8, 2019, 10 Japanese power utility companies collaboratively launched a one-stop shop for selling electric pole location information data to their customers. The utility group includes:

 ·         Hokkaido Electric Power Company

·         Tohoku Electric Power Company

·         TEPCO Town Planning Company, a subsidiary of TEPCO Power Grid

·         Hokuden Information System Service Company, a subsidiary of Hokuriku Electric Power Company

·         Kansai Electric Power Company

·         Chubu Electric Power Company

·         Chugoku Electric Power Company

·         Shikoku Electric Power Company

·         Kyushu Electric Power Company

·         Okinawa Electric Power Company

Through the one-stop shop, buyers will be able to easily purchase electric pole location information from 10 utilities, rather than separately asking each individual company for the data as before.

 In Japan, electric poles are installed at intervals of about 30m to 50m, and each power utility assigns a unique identification number to each electric pole. The electric pole data enables users to easily identify unfamiliar locations in areas without conspicuous objects or landmarks. The data can also be used by telecommunication carriers to assist in capital investment planning and existing equipment location management.[1]

[1] http://www.chuden.co.jp/corporate/publicity/pub_release/press/3271596_21432.html

[Japan] Osaka Gas Acquires Sabine Oil & Gas in Texas

Osaka Gas announced on July 29, 2019, that it had reached an agreement with Sabine Oil & Gas Holdings to acquire 100% of the shares of Sabine Oil & Gas Corporation, a subsidiary of Sabine Oil & Gas Holdings that is located in Eastern Texas. The transaction is still waiting for the approval of the government permits. Upon the successful completion of the transaction, Osaka Gas will be the first Japanese company to purchase a U.S.-based shale gas developer.  

Sabine Oil & Gas has a total of 175,000 net acres, with about 1,200 wells in East Texas, and an average annual LNG production of 1.7 million tons. In July 2018, Osaka Gas acquired 35% of the working interest of the gas field located on the eastern side, about half of the area owned by Sabine Oil & Gas. Since then, the wells on the eastern side have been producing more shale gas than initially expected. The acquisition will allow Osaka Gas to possess the entire gas field and to expand its upstream business in the U.S. Osaka Gas has previously invested in Freeport’s LNG liquefaction project and IPP projects. [1]

[1] https://www.osakagas.co.jp/company/press/pr_2019/1281330_40360.html