[Japan] The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Initiated a Working Group on Electricity Resilience

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced that it will initiate a Working Group on Electricity Resilience on October 9, 2018. The working group was jointly established by the Electricity and Gas Basic Policy Subcommittee under the Electricity and Gas Industry Committee of the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources, and the Electric Power Safety Subcommittee under the Industrial Safety and Consumer Product Safety Committee of the Industrial Structure Council.

The 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake caused a large-scale power outage in the Hokkaido region. The local residents, the utility company, and the government worked together to reduce their energy usage in response to the situation. On September 18, the operation of Tomato-Atsuma Coal-Fired Power Plant Unit 1 resumed, which stabilized the electricity supply and demand. 

METI established a third-party committee under the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators, Japan (OCCTO)[1] to identify the cause of the large-scale power outage and develop preventative measures for the future. An interim report is expected to be published by the end of October 2018. Meanwhile, the Ministerial Council on Emergency Inspection of Critical Infrastructure has decided to inspect the critical infrastructures across Japan, including electricity facilities, in November 2018 and will then develop measures to improve critical infrastructure resiliency. In order to accomplish these goals, METI has established a Working Group on Electricity Resilience to discuss challenges and possible measures to enhance the resiliency of Japan’s electricity infrastructure, and to establish a disaster-resilient electricity supply system.

[1] OCCTO is an organization that aims to promote the development of electricity transmission and distribution networks in Japan, which are necessary for cross-regional electricity use and the enhancement of the nationwide function of adjusting the supply-demand balance of electricity.

[Japan] The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Launched a Study Group on the Ideal Approaches to New Electricity Platforms that Take Advantage of Next-Generation Technologies

On October 9, 2018, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced that it would establish a Study Group on the Ideal Approaches to New Electricity Platforms that Take Advantage of Next-Generation Technologies. The working group will discuss the potential for next generation technologies to improve Japan’s electricity grid.

Japan’s electricity grid is facing challenges such as reduced earnings due to sluggish demand, the need to implement measures to modernize aging facilities, the need to improve the resiliency of electricity systems to prepare for large-scale disasters, and efforts to utilize renewable energy as a major power source. In order to deal with these challenges, METI aims to enhance the existing electricity grid in the “3E” areas (energy security, economic efficiency, and environment), while utilizing the existing system to its full potential.

In order to address 3E, the new electricity grid is expected to have 1) multiple inexpensive electricity supply sources, operated by new business models such as ERAB[1] and peer-to-peer (P2P) to advance economic efficiency; 2) IoT systems and data processing to improve energy security through the supply and demand management; and 3) new distributed resources such as EV and storage batteries that can achieve low carbonization and are more environmentally friendly than existing grid.

These investments require significant time and resources. Therefore, METI’s study group will discuss the risks and challenges with experts to identify necessary actions for the successful transition of the electricity grid.

[1] ERAB refers to a business framework in which businesses utilize virtual power plants and the demand response program in order to provide a variety of services, including electricity adjustments, maintaining supply-demand balances, electricity-rate cuts, avoidance of output controls and other measures to their electricity customers.

[USA] “Kentucky Power Seeks New Solar Projects in Eastern Kentucky”

[Kentucky Power, 17 October 2018]

Kentucky Power is aiming to add up to 20 megawatts of solar energy in response to growing customer interest in renewables and efforts to diversify the company’s electric generation mix. Matt Satterwhite, Kentucky Power’s President and Chief Operating Officer, noted the interest from businesses saying, “We have had requests from business customers in our region to explore solar energy options that could help them meet their own green energy goals,” and added that increased solar “could help our communities diversify their economies and boost development in eastern Kentucky as more and more businesses seek renewable energy to power their operations.” The company is currently seeking bids for new solar resources. In turn, Kentucky Power “may buy solar facilities from winning bidders.” To qualify as a bid, the projects must be located in the company’s service territory and have an interconnection with PJM or Kentucky Power’s distribution system. In addition, the bidding project must be at least 5 megawatts in size and be operation by December 31, 2021.

[USA] “Dominion Energy Seeks Input on Renewable Energy Expansion”

[Dominion Energy, 17 October 2018]

Dominion Energy has issued a request for information (RFI) from non-residential (i.e. commercial, industrial, and governmental) customers on their renewable energy preferences and interest. This data will then be used to inform the company’s plans to develop 3,000 megawatts of additional solar and wind projects that should be under development or go online by 2022. This effort is encouraged under the state’s new Grid Transformation & Security Act which was passed on July 1, 2018. Among other things, this legislation focuses on increasing clean energy investments -touted to encourage “the largest increase of renewable energy resources in the state’s history- and modernizing the grid. Corynne Arnett, Dominion Energy’s Vice President of Customer Service, added that Dominion “welcome[s] the opportunity to learn more about the renewable energy targets and goals of business and governmental customers across the state. This information will help us adapt renewable programs to meet customer needs as we grow our renewable generation fleet in Virginia, which is currently the 4th largest solar fleet in the country among utility holding companies."

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Initiated a Demonstration Test of a Low Power Wide Area Wireless Child Safety Service in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture

On October 1, 2018, Kansai Electric Power announced a partnership with K-Opticom, Omachi City of Nagano Prefecture, and the Omachi City Board of Education to launch a demonstration test of a child safety service, which will use a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) wireless network to monitor the location of children in Omachi city, Nagano prefecture. To reduce the costs of the service, the system is built on LPWA wireless technology with long-range (LoRa) communication technology, which enables long-range communication using low electricity consumption. The system will be installed at base stations serving other services to further reduce the costs.

The service will notify guardians when children enter or exit from the designated geographic area, in order to ensure the safety of children during their school commute. In order to protect the children’s privacy, the service will identify their location based on fixed areas, rather than his or her exact location. The test will evaluate the user experiences, particularly guardians’ experiences using the service by smartphone, and will identify technical issues.[1]

Kansai Electric Power hopes to strengthen its relationship with local communities through this new initiative.

[1] http://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2018/1001_1j.html

[Japan] Shikoku Electric Power and SBI Insurance Will Start to Offer a Free Cancer Insurance Plan for New Customers, Joining the Residential Electricity Plan

On September 28, 2018, Shikoku Electric Power announced a partnership with SBI Insurance to offer the Shikoku Electric Power Cancer Insurance Plan. The plan will launch on October 22, 2018, and it will be offered through Denki Ins-Web[1], a website operated by SBI Insurance that assists customers with comparing the pricing of different electricity plans. The plan will be free for Shikoku Electric Power’s newly registered residential electricity customers in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Customers that join the insurance plan who are diagnosed with cancer will receive 50,000 JPY (approximately 450 USD). The insurance service is provided by SBI Insurance, and Shikoku Electric Power will cover the insurance premium.

Shikoku Electric Power’s service area covers Japan’s Shikoku region, which consists of four prefectures in the southern part of Japan, namely Ehime, Kagawa, Kōchi, and Tokushima. Since Japan has fully liberalized its electricity retail market, Shikoku Electric Power has been seeking to expand its business in the Tokyo metropolitan area by offering competitive services in new markets. SBI Insurance is focusing on providing products and services that meet diverse market needs in order to strengthen their sales channels other than direct sales. Shikoku Electric Power and SBI Insurance are working together to provide new services that combine their strengths in electricity retail service and insurance products to improve their service offerings.[2]

[1] https://denki.insweb.co.jp/

[2] http://www.yonden.co.jp/press/re1809/data/pr016.pdf

[Japan] TEPCO Innovation & Investments US Invested in Hawaii Renewable Energy Company Adon Group

On September 20, 2018, TEPCO Innovation & Investments US, Tokyo Electric Power Company’s wholly owned subsidiary in the U.S., announced that it has invested two million USD in Adon Group, a Hawaiian renewable energy company. Adon Group, which consists of Adon Construction, Adon Renewables, and Green Vision, specializes in the development, construction, operation, maintenance, and asset management of solar facilities, mainly for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers in Hawaii. Through its investment in Adon Group, TEPCO Innovation & Investments US aims to join the Hawaii C&I solar energy market and develop new business models, including microgrid and resource aggregation businesses.

Hawaii has set a goal to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2045. The implementation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems has been increasing in Hawaii due to their affordable price and support from federal and state government subsidies. However, as the solar generation capacity increases, it is facing issues such as supply-demand balancing and system-voltage control. Hawaii has been focusing on PV systems equipped with battery storage to address these challenges. Adon Group plans to expand its businesses by offering PV systems equipped with battery storage.

[USA] “IPCC 1.5°C Report: A ‘Wake-Up Call’ for World Leaders”

[World Resources Institute, 7 October 2018]

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released a special report detailing the impacts of warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. This report is the response to a UNFCCC invitation when the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015. The IPCC report details the differences between the impact of a 1.5 degree increase in warming and a 2 degree increase and shows that even a .5-degree difference can drastically increase the prevalence and intensity of extreme weather events and sea level increases that is directly tied to climate change. The report also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and multi-prong solution that considers not only decarbonization of the economy, but also reforestation, consumerism, and carbon captures and storage technologies. Dr. Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the World Resources Institute, stated, “Limiting warming to 1.5 degrees will require a radical transformation of economic and social systems at a scale never seen before. This is difficult, but by no means impossible. We know how to do it, and we know that it will lead to a much healthier economy and much healthier citizens. We now know that accelerated climate action can lead to large economic benefits, including a $26 trillion win…The urgent message of the IPCC report must be carried into the halls of power and the negotiation rooms at COP24. This should be a moral imperative for all leaders around the world.”

The full report can be found here: http://www.ipcc.ch/report/sr15/

[USA] “Duke Energy to Invest $500 Million in Battery Storage in the Carolinas Over the Next 15 Years”

[Duke Energy, 10 October 2018]

Duke Energy has announced their intent to invest $500 million in battery energy storage technologies in North and South Carolina over the coming 15 years. These investments will add about 300 megawatts of battery capacity in the region (currently there is less than 30 megawatts of capacity). One of Duke’s first steps towards achieving this goal is their Hot Springs Microgrid project located in North Carolina.  This project includes a 2-megawatt solar facility and a 4 megawatt lithium-ion battery project and is part of the company’s “Western Carolinas Modernization Project” which focuses on increasing the clean energy footprint in that region. Duke’s other battery storage projects include a 9-megawatt lithium-ion battery located in Asheville, a 95 kWh zinc air battery that can be found in Haywood County- both projects are in North Carolina.  Rob Caldwell, President of Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology, praised his company’s innovative efforts, saying, “Duke Energy is at the forefront of battery energy storage, and our investment could increase as we identify projects that deliver benefits to our customers. Utility-owned and operated projects in North Carolina and South Carolina will include a variety of system benefits that will help improve reliability for our customers and provide significant energy grid support for the region."

[USA] “Florida Power & Light Company Crews Responding to Widespread Power Outages in the Wake of Hurricane Michael”

[Florida Power and Light, 11 October 2018]  

With Hurricane Michael’s landfall in southeastern United States, electric utilities such as Florida Power & Light (FPL), have intensified their efforts to restore power to communities in Florida, Georgia, and parts of South Carolina. Over 1,000 FPL employees and contractors are working to help restore power and are supporting search and rescue efforts; of these, 50 are full-time contractors whose focus is purely search and rescue. The company is also providing mobile fueling for Florida Highway Patrol vehicles. Eric Silagy, President and CEO, commended his company’s efforts saying, “Last year, restoration workers from as far away as Canada traveled to Florida to help restore power following Hurricane Irma, and we’re honored to do the same for those affected by this devastating storm.” (As of the morning of October 12, “1.4 million utility customers from Florida to Virginia were without power.”) [1]

[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/hurricane-michael-damage-florida-flooding-georgia-power-outage-weather-deaths-today-live-updates/

[Japan] CD Direct Energy Collaborated with Aruhi Marketing to Expand Services under “Aruhi New Living Pack”

On September 14, 2018, CD Energy Direct, a joint investment company of Chubu Electric Power and Osaka Gas, announced a collaboration with Aruhi Marketing, a subsidiary of Aruhi, Japan’s largest financial institution specializing in mortgage loans, as part of the “Aruhi New Living Pack”, a preferential service for homebuyers using an Aruhi mortgage when buying a new home.

To help customers reduce the time and cumbersome administrative process for all essential services on starting a new life in a new area, Aruhi Marketing will take care of all moving-related application procedures, covering services such as electricity and gas supply, water, internet connection, and moving services, on behalf of customers. The package also offers various discounts and benefits. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, the electricity and gas offered as part of the service will be provided by CD Energy Direct. Meanwhile, Chubu Electric Power will continue to expand its services in other regions.

[Japan] J-Power and Okayama University of Science Filed a Patent Application for Autonomous Camera-Equipped Drone for Monitoring Energy Infrastructure Facilities

On September 10, 2018, J-Power announced that it had jointly filed a patent application with the Okayama University of Science for an autonomous camera technology to monitor and inspect energy infrastructure facilities, using drones. A camera-equipped drone automatically plans a flight route and approaches transmission facilities, such as steel transmission towers and transmission lines, and takes photographs of the targeted objects. The technology combines flight control, avoidance control, and high-speed image processing, aiming to significantly improve the safety and the quality of inspection work, as well as reducing the risk of field workers at high elevations. In addition, the drone’s operational status, such as its location, altitude, and flight state, can be monitored through the wireless network. In cases when the drone detects a failure or problems at the facilities, it also records images along with the location. The technology is expected to be fully commercialized in FY 2019.

[Japan] Hokkaido Electric Power Company Restarted the Tomato-Atsuma Power Plant Unit 1 after Iburi Earthquake

Due to the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake that occurred on September 6, 2018, the Hokkaido Electric Power Company suffered damage at several of its power plants as well as its transmission and distribution infrastructure, causing a massive blackout in the region. On September 19, 2018, a regional power operator announced that it had restarted the Tomato-Atsuma thermal power plant Unit 1 after a trial operation was successfully performed to gradually increase the output. Prior to the restart of the power plant, the Hokkaido Electric Power Company had set power saving time from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm on weekdays by encouraging energy users to reduce their energy consumption as much as possible, targeting a 10% reduction in electricity demand. After restoring the Tomato-Atsuma power plant Unit 1, the company canceled the power saving time period and resumed its plans for energy saving for the winter season at normal levels. The company is working to bring two more Tomato-Atsuma power plant units back online soon.[1] 

Meanwhile, the earthquake caused significant damage to the transmission and distribution facilities that the utility owns and operates. As of September 16, 2018, the Hokkaido Electric Power Company has temporarily restored the No. 71 transmission tower on the Iwachishi line (66kv), and it has been working on repairs on the No. 107 transmission tower, which was destroyed by a landslide. The Hokkaido Electric Power Company expects to restore the No. 107 tower as well as the No. 52 transmission tower on the Karikachi line (275kW) by the middle of November. It also has considered changing to an alternative route for the transmission line, in order to avoid potential long-term landslide risks. There was also significant damage to distribution networks, with a total of 327 supporting facilities, 295 electric wires, and 428 transformers damaged. As of September 16, 2018, the blackout continued to affect 59 homes in Atsuma Town and Abira Town.[2]

[1] http://www.hepco.co.jp/pdf/18091901.pdf

[2] http://www.hepco.co.jp/pdf/18091601.pdf

[USA] “DOE Applauds Vogtle Decision”

[DOE, 26 September 2018]

The construction of Vogtle 3&4, located in Georgia, was approved in a September 26, 2018 vote by all four of the project’s co-owners (Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power, and Dalton Utilities). This project will be the US’s first large scale utility-based nuclear project in over 30 years. Vogtle 3 is expected to come online in November 2021 and Vogtle 4 a year late in November 2022. The project will also support jobs in Georgia – employing over 7,000 workers during construction and 800 permanent jobs post-construction. As a result, the plant will provide reliable and clean energy to approximately 500,000 homes for decades. DOE’s Spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes expects that the completion of this project will cement the US’s leadership in nuclear technology. Hynes also hopes that “this project will mark the beginning of a nuclear renaissance in America.”

For more info, please click here: https://www.southerncompany.com/newsroom/2018/sept-2018/all-vogtle-owners-vote-to-move-forward.html

[USA] “Massachusetts Clean Energy Advocates Welcome SMART Program Order”

[SEIA, 27 September 2018]

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has issued its Order on the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. The issuance of this order was one of the final steps to be taken before the SMART program, whose legislation was signed in 2016 by Governor Charlie Baker,[1] could be implemented. The details of this legislation can be found at the Massachusetts legislature’s portal.[2]The program is expected to boost the state’s solar industry and increase solar jobs as well by extending access to 75% of Massachusetts residents who previously could not install rooftop solar. As a result, Massachusetts’s leadership in the solar industry began to falter. However, with the implementation of the program, solar will once again thrive in the state. This program is also expected to provide a savings of $4.7 billion to ratepayers. Sean Garren, Senior Director of Northeast for Vote Solar, stated, “Solar projects have been stalled across the Commonwealth for more than a year now awaiting the launch of the SMART program, which will still be weeks from now. These projects will mean local investment, new jobs and property taxes, as well as a cleaner and more resilient energy system.”

[1] https://www.mass.gov/news/department-of-public-utilities-issues-order-to-continue-solar-development

[2] https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/Senate/S1979

[USA] “Acting EPA Administrator Wheeler Concludes Visit to G7 Environmental Ministers Meeting”

[EPA, 20 September 2018]

The EPA Administrator concluded his visit to the G7 Environmental Ministers Meeting on September 20, 2018. The meeting involved leading officials from Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and the European Commission. Wheeler participated in one-on-one as well joint sessions. These sessions often focused on reducing air and water pollution, transitioning to a low carbon economy, resource efficiency, food waste, and improving “natural infrastructure to reduce coastal risk.” Wheeler and the European Union Commission delegate, Daniel Calleja, also talked about developing an air quality exchange in order to share technical information between EPA and EU experts.  Wheeler stated of the conference, “The United States is pleased with the progress being made by global leaders to advance practical solutions that will reduce marine litter, minimize food waste, and improve air quality. We look forward to continuing constructive dialogue.”

[USA] “Cape Fear River Flooding Damages Sutton Lake, Causes Safe Shutdown of Natural Gas Plant”

[Duke Energy, 21 September 2018]  

Flooding of the Cape Fear River has cause Duke Energy’s L.V. Sutton 625 mw natural gas plant to shut down. The river’s flooding has “caused breaches in the cooling lake dam surrounding the cooling lake.” Water from the cooling lake also flowed into the natural gas plant itself. While there are two coal ash basins near the Sutton plant, Duke does not believe that the ash has breached the steel wall separating the basin and the cooling lake. Duke Energy has employees in place who are securing the area while engineers are developing and activating repair plans for the site. Duke also predicts that, based on historic data, that there is “little to no chance that cooling lake water will contribute to a measurable change to water levels in the area.”

[USA] “U.S. Becomes World’s Largest Crude Oil Producer and Department of Energy Authorizes Short Term Natural Gas Exports”

[DOE, 13 September 2018]  

The Energy Information Administration, in their Short-Term Energy Outlook, has found the US to be the largest global crude oil producer, greater than even Russia and Saudi Arabia. This past February, America’s crude oil production surpassed Saudi Arabia – a first in over 20 years. In June and then again in August, the U.S.’s crude oil production was greater than that of Russia’s for the first time since 1999. On a separate issue, the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a short-term order for the Freeport LNG project to export up to 2.14 bcf/d of natural gas as LNG over a two-year term both to free-trade and non-free trade agreement countries; of course, this does not include countries that have been expressly banned from U.S. trade relations.

[USA] “EPA Grants $1.6 Million to Northwest and Alaska Tribal Groups to Reduce Harmful Diesel Emissions”

[EPA, 12 September 2018]

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted $1.6 million to three tribal groups in the Northwest and in Alaska; the Lummi and Tulalip Tribes (in Washington state) and the Tanana Chiefs Conference in Alaska. This award will be used to replace old diesel engines and generators thereby reducing the amount of harmful emissions the tribes will be exposed to. This award is provided under the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). DERA works to reduce diesel combustion byproducts (e.g. hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter) by funding retrofit projects, engine replacements, and promotes idle reduction. Chris Hladick, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, stated “Clean diesel technologies not only improve air quality in Indian Country, but advance innovation and support jobs. These projects will significantly reduce harmful emissions and protect public health in tribal communities.” It is interesting to note the contrast between the work of EPA’s DERA to reduce harmful emissions and the EPA top administrators’ efforts to reduce vehicle tailpipe emissions standards.

[Japan] Chubu Electric Power’s “KatEne” Started a New Service for Customers with Smart Meters to Calculate the Electricity Usage of Individual Household Appliances

On September 2, 2018, Chubu Electric Power’s online service “KatEne” started a new function that calculates and visualizes the electricity usage of each household appliance in a home. Customers can check the electricity usage share of home appliances like air conditioners and electric water heaters without needing to install any additional measuring instruments.

The service is offered for free to customers who installed smart meters in their house. This service collects information such as electricity usage data obtained from smart meters, the current installation situation of household appliances, the outdoor temperature, and the local sunrise and sunset times. Using its own in-house methodologies, Chubu calculates the electricity usage rate of each household appliance and the approximate electricity charge, enabling customers to understand their energy consumption and energy savings.

The “KatEne” service, launched in 2015, is a household customer online service aiming at promoting energy consumption through visible energy-saving information. By the end of March 2019, Chubu also plans to implement add-on functions for customers that have installed solar panels, which will calculate those customers’ precise energy consumption and billing information, and will reflect the energy generation amount from their installed solar systems.