[Japan] Chugoku Electric Power and Shikoku Electric Power with Other Partners Will Acquire a Total of 27% Stake in the Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan

On April 5, 2019, Chugoku Electric Power and Shikoku Electric Power announced that they would participate in the Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm project in Taiwan, through the acquisition of interests from a German-based large renewable energy developer, wpd A.G., in collaboration with other Japanese companies, including Sojitz Corporation and JXTG Nippon Oil and Energy.

The Japanese consortium will acquire a total of a 27% stake in the 640MW Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm project from wpd A.G.[1], which will secure the remaining 73% stake in the company. Sojitz Corporation, a Japanese trading company[2], will have a 9.1% stake in the wind farm. C&C investment, established by Chugoku Electric Power Company, will have a 6.75% stake. JXTG Nippon Oil and Energy[3], a Japanese petroleum company, will also have a 6.75% stake, and Shikoku Electric Power will have a 4.4% stake.

The wind farm is expected to begin operation in December 2021 and will supply power to the Taiwan Electric Power Company for 20 years at a fixed price. It is the first time for Chugoku Electric Power and Shikoku Electric Power to join the oversees offshore wind power business. Chugoku Electric Power and Shikoku Electric Power plan to continue to participate in new overseas projects and will work to improve their profitability.[4]

[1] http://www.wpd.de/en/wpd/profile/

[2] https://www.sojitz.com/en/corporate/profile/index.php

[3] https://www.noe.jxtg-group.co.jp/english/

[4] https://www.yonden.co.jp/press/2019/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2019/04/05/pr004.pdf

[Japan] Keidanren Released a Policy Recommendation Report on Rebuilding Japan’s Power System

On April, 2019, the Japan Business Federation, called Keidanren, released a policy recommendation report titled “Rebuilding Japan’s Power System—Electric Power Policy to Support a Super-Smart Society, Society 5.0.” The economic organization is comprised of 1,376 Japanese representative companies, 109 industrial associations, and 47 regional economic organizations as of May 31, 2018, and plays a central role in assisting corporate activities by making policy proposals and taking actions to contribute to the self-sustaining development of the Japanese economy. The report highlights the future direction of Japan’s electric power policy in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, and attempts to address current challenges.

Japan faces four main challenges in its electric power sector, including a high dependence (more than 80%) on fossil fuel power generation; the unexpectedly slower penetration of renewable energy, which is hindering Japan from decreasing its high dependence on fossil fuels; difficulties in restarting its nuclear power reactors that have received approval for their safety standards, due to a strong public antinuclear movement; and a failure to significantly reduce electricity pricing even after the recent deregulation of the retail electricity market. Additionally, the uncertainty of the current domestic business environment is discouraging power utilities from committing to major investments in power infrastructure.

In order to achieve “Society 5.0”, the main priority for Japan’s electric power policy should be securing a balance of ‘Safety + Energy Security, Economy, and Environment (S+3E),’ in line with the pursuit of Decarbonization, Decentralization, and Digitalization (3D). It is necessary to promote electric power investment, and to advance the development and implementation of new technologies. To encourage further investments, Keidanren recommends that the government should develop its next basic energy plan by considering the different potential scenarios for the future power system after 2030.

[USA] “Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates Earth Day with Massive New Solar Facility Capable of Powering Two Theme Parks”

[Walt Disney World News, 18 April 2019]

In honor of Earth Day, Walt Disney World Resort has unveiled a new 270-acre, 50 MW solar facility, that has been built in collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and the solar developer Origis Energy USA. This site generates enough energy to operate 2 of the 4 theme parks at Disney annually. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions “by tens of thousands of tons per year” and is a step towards Disney’s goal of reducing emissions 50% compared to 2012 levels. The solar facility has also been built to make over 2/3 of the site more friendly to pollinators and other insects, some of which are endangered or are at-risk species. Angie Renner, Environmental Integration Director at Disney Park’s Experiences and Consumer Products section, stated, ““At Disney, every day is Earth Day, and we hope our guests and cast members will be as inspired and amazed as we are at what this new solar facility means for our community and planet. This is an ambitious step forward for our renewable energy efforts.” Some specs for the project include:

·         500,000 + solar panels

·         During peak sun, the site will provide up to 25% of Walt Disney World’s demand

·         Largest solar facility in Orange County

·         50,000 + tons of greenhouse gas emissions reduce (equivalent of removal of 10,000 cards per year)

[USA] “GMP Launches Vision to Have 100% Renewable Energy by 2030”

[Green Mountain Power, 13 April 2019]

The Vermont utility, Green Mountain Power, has announced their intention-at the GMP Earth Day Every Day Fair- to have a 100% carbon-free energy supply by 2025 and 100% renewable energy supply by 2030. Green Mountain Power’s current energy mix consists of 90% carbon free energy and over 60% of that is renewable. Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power, stated of the endeavor: “There is so much we can accomplish together in Vermont to cut carbon, and at the same time increase reliability for customers in the face of increasingly frequent and severe storms.  The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report makes clear, we have to act now, and take bold steps to cut carbon. The report issued in October of 2018 shows we have just 12 years to bend back the curve on carbon. Green Mountain Power is determined that through innovation, collaboration and grit, we can make remarkable strides and be the example of the change we want to see and deliver this energy future to benefit the customers we serve.”

[USA] “Governor Murphy Announces New Jersey Offshore Wind Supply Chain Registry”

[Governor Phil Murphy, 09 April 2019]

Governor Phil Murphy has introduced a “New Jersey Offshore Wind Supply Chain Registry” for the state that will create a portal that connects investors for offshore wind with New Jersey-based companies to partner with or purchase energy from. Governor Murphy said of the project, “Developing a robust offshore wind industry is a key step to building a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy that provides good jobs and protects our environment for future generations. The offshore wind supply chain registry will facilitate the delivery of our offshore wind projects and ensure New Jersey companies are first in line for opportunities they create.” The project falls under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA); NJEDA aims to have 650 New Jersey-based companies on the portal by the middle of August 2019. The aim of this project is to grow the local offshore wind industry while boosting the state economy. The portal will be publicly available for free.

[USA] “CleanChoice Energy Community Solar Opens New Prince George’s County Solar Farm”

[CleanChoice Energy, 10 April 2019]

CleanChoice Energy is almost finished with the construction of a 3 MW community solar farm in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The Simba Community Solar Farm will help participating residents save around 10% of their utility bill. In the first year, the project will generate around 4,500,000 kWh – thereby being able to avoid 3,500,000 pounds of coal. This project aims to expand access to solar – especially for those who are not able to have rooftop solar.

[Japan] Kyushu Electric Power Company and Exergy Power System Will Jointly Operate a Power Management Project in Ireland

On March 25, 2019, Kyushu Electric Power Company (also known as Kyuden) announced that it has partnered with Exergy Power System to jointly operate a power supply and demand management project in Ireland starting from the end of the 2019 fiscal year. The project will utilize a rechargeable battery system developed by Exergy Power System, a start-ups from the University of Tokyo that is developing next-generation hydrogen cells for energy storage.[1] Kyushu Electronic Power has been seeking to collaborate with start-ups to develop and explore new business opportunities since it initiated the “Kyuden i-Project” in fiscal year 2017, which focuses on pursuing innovation through concept creation, concept commercialization or deployment as service.[2] The collaboration with Exergy Power System is part of the Kyuden i-Project.[3]

[1] https://www.ut-ec.co.jp/portfolio/exergy

[2] http://www.kyuden.co.jp/var/rev0/0149/3839/o0wpb4su_p34-37.pdf

[3] http://www.kyuden.co.jp/press_h190325-1.html

[Japan] Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Jointly Offer Medium-Capacity Steam Turbines for Industrial Thermal Power Plants

Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions (Toshiba ESS) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Kawasaki) announced on March 28, 2019, that they have reached a collaboration agreement to offer 100-200MW, medium-capacity steam turbines for industrial thermal power plants worldwide, starting immediately.

Given the increasing need for small to medium-capacity steam turbines to be cost-effective and to be widely used for different industries and utility applications in the global market, the design of small to medium-sized steam turbines needs to enhance their efficiency and flexibility by improving steam conditions and adopting reheat cycles. Accordingly, Toshiba ESS and Kawasaki has been conducting a joint research project in this area by leveraging Toshiba’s material and reliability technologies acquired through manufacturing steam turbines for thermal power plants, as well as Kawasaki’s compact, high-speed turbine and packaging technologies that have been developed through producing steam turbines for marine and industrial-use power generation. Toshiba ESS offers intermediate and low-pressure (ILP) turbines, and Kawasaki provides high-pressure (HP) turbine and reduction gear. The two companies will utilize both supply chains to produce medium-sized steam turbines and to expand their sales network in global markets.[1]

[1]

[Japan] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Continues the Sale of Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Certificates

On March 25, 2019, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced that it would continue selling non-fossil fuel energy certificates in Fiscal Year 2019. In May 2018, METI began to issue the certificates to certify electricity generated by renewable energy sources under the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) Scheme for Renewable Energy, and established a non-fossil fuel energy trading market, which allows retail electricity providers (REPs) to purchase certificates representing the non-fossil fuel value.

If REPs sell electricity with the non-fossil fuel energy certificates, it is considered as renewable energy, which enables energy users to utilize their compliance with RE 100, an initiative launched by the Climate Group of the United Kingdom (UK) and the CDP, which is championing the use of 100% renewable energy for electricity for business operations.[1] The Climate Group of the UK, which seeks to accelerate action on climate change, is committed to work with global leaders and enterprises to tackle climate change.[2] CDP is a British non-profit organization that provides a discussion platform for companies, states, and investors to control their environmental impacts.

In February 2019, METI conducted a demonstration project in collaboration with many REPs and power producers to identify the origin of renewable energy sources based on their non-fossil energy value, as well as to confirm that it would be able to improve the FIT scheme. The non-fossil fuel energy trading market aims to encourage electric buyers to achieve the target ratio of non-fossil fuel energy set by the Act on the Promotion of Use of Non-Fossil Energy Sources and Effective Use of Fossil Energy Materials by Energy Suppliers.[3] 

[1] http://there100.org/

[2] https://www.theclimategroup.org/about

[3] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2018/03/20190325005/20190325005.html

[USA] “Local Leaders Celebrate Rhode Island’s First Net Zero Energy Ready Residential Development”

[National Grid, 1 April 2019]

Rhode Island has begun the construction of its first Net Zero Energy residential development. This development will be built by h.a. Fisher Homes and the development is expected to be completely energy efficient so that all (or most) energy consumed can be provided by local renewable energy systems. The development will be located in Warwick, Rhode Island- and the first homes will be finished by the fall of this year. There will be a total of 9 single-level condominiums involved in the project. It is interesting to note that Rhode Island is ranked 3rd nationally for its energy efficiency successes. Brian Schuster, Director of Customer and Community Management for National Grid Rhode Island said of the project, ““The Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency programs we manage are reaching thousands of customers ever year to help to reduce energy costs and consumption. Just as importantly, these programs are helping to meet Rhode Island’s clean energy goals and the vision we have for the Northeast 80×50 Pathway.”

[USA] “PG&E Announces New Chief Executive Officer and Appointment of a Refreshed Board of Directors; New Leadership Focused on Enhancing Safety Culture and Operational Excellence”

[PG&E, 3 April 2019]

PG&E has appointed William Johnson as the new CEO and President of the company. PG&E has also selected 10 new directors for its Board of Directors. Prior to this new position, William Johnson served as the President and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority. These “significant” changes in leadership is meant to emphasize the company’s renewed efforts at prioritizing safety, operational effectiveness, and “successfully navigating” the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The PG&E Board commented on the changes, “We have heard the calls for change and have taken action today to ensure that PG&E has the right leadership to bring about real and dynamic change that reinforces our commitment to safety, continuous improvement and operational excellence. We believe our new CEO and the newly constituted Board will help PG&E address California's evolving energy challenges and deliver what our customers expect from their energy company."

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power and Caulis’ Demonstration Project to Detect Unauthorized Bank Account was Approved under the Regulatory Sandbox Scheme

On March 6, 2019, the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI), Government of Japan, approved a demonstration project to detect unauthorized activities on opening bank accounts through the internet, by using financial and electricity data under the Act of Special Measures for Productivity Improvement. The demonstration project is being developed by Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO) and Caulis, a Japanese cyber security solutions company[1]. The project will examine the viability of a new technology which is designed to effectively detect unauthorized activities on opening bank accounts at the Seven Bank[2] by combining financial information with electricity data collected from KEPCO’s electric facilities.

The objective of the project is to explore the cooperation between electricity companies and IT security providers in order to address social security problems. The results of the project will also shape the framework and regulations that promote the adoption of innovative technologies in businesses. The Act of Special Measures for Productivity Improvement entered into force on June 6, 2018. Under the Act, the Scheme for Demonstration of New Technologies, namely the Regulatory Sandbox Scheme, will encourage companies to adopt new technologies and innovative business models.[3]

[1] https://caulis.jp/en/#contact

[2] https://www.sevenbank.co.jp/corp/

[3] https://www.kepco.co.jp/souhaiden/pr/2019/0306_1j.html

[Japan] Kyushu Electric Power and Softbank Signed a Business Alliance Agreement for Joint Product Development

Kyushu Electric Power and Softbank[1], a Japanese mobile service company, signed a business alliance agreement on joint product and service development on March 12, 2019. The first joint services, ‘Home Discount Kyushu Electric Power Electric Set,’ a 100-yen monthly discount service, will begin to be offered on April 12, 2019, at both Softbank’s and Y Mobile’s mobile phone retail stores within the Kyushu Electric Power service area. This discount service will be available for existing customers who currently subscribe on Kyushu Electric Power’s rate plans and are using Softbank and Y Mobile’s mobile services and fixed communication services. It is also targeted to these mobile providers’ users who have already subscribed or will subscribe to ‘Kirei (beautiful) Life Plus, a web-portal service which enables consumers to access their energy and gas consumption/rate plan. The two companies plan to continue to work together to develop and provide valuable services for customers.[2]

[1] https://www.softbank.jp/en/

[2] http://www.kyuden.co.jp/press_h190312b-1.html

[Japan] Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Released a Revised Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

On March 12, 2019, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) released a revised version of the Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. The revised strategic roadmap sets new specifications and cost breakdowns for basic hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, and provides goals and measures to promote the utilization of hydrogen resources and optimize hydrogen supply chains. The strategic road map aims to reduce the costs of hydrogen technologies considerably, accelerate the research and development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, explore potential markets for hydrogen electricity, and facilitate cooperation with other countries. The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy will host an expert working group to review the current progress of the achievements and implementation in the areas depicted in the roadmap.

The Strategic Road Map for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells was first released in 2014 and revised in 2016. The Agency developed three policy documents after the release of the strategic road map. The Basic Hydrogen Strategy was published in December 2017, the Fifth Strategic Energy Plan was released in July 2018, and the Tokyo Statement was issued in October 2018. Based on the strategic road map and these related policy documents, the Japanese government will promote public education about hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, and will seek cooperation with experts, academia, and other countries like the U.S. and France, in order to advance research activities and develop a legal framework.

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Company’s Venture Capital Arm Invested in Genome Editing Company EditForce

K4 Ventures, a corporate venture capital subsidiary of Kansai Electric Power Company, announced on March 1, 2019, that it has invested in EditForce, a genome editing company, by the issuance of new shares through third-party allocation. EditForce is a venture company with a unique DNA/RNA editing technology.[1] EditForce has been focusing on pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein platform technology, designed for the editing of not only DNA but also RNA. PPR technology is expected to be used in a wide range of fields, including medicine, agriculture, and chemistry. The firm’s investors include the University of Tokyo Edge Capital, QB Capital, and KISCO (an advanced materials maker).

K4 Ventures is investing new technologies development and deployment in areas like energy storage, mobility, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IOT), big data, and robotics, as part of the Kansai Electric Power Group’s mid-term business plan to explore new business opportunities.[2]

[1] https://www.editforce.jp/company_info_top/about/

[2] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2019/0301_4j.html

[Japan] TEPCO Power Grid and Tokyo Electric Power Services Signed an Underground Substation Consulting Agreement with Dhaka Electric Supply Company

On February 21, 2019, TEPCO Power Grid and Tokyo Electric Power Services (TEPSCO) announced that they has signed an underground substation consulting agreement with Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO), a leading electric distribution company based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and TEPCO Power Grid along with TEPSCO will serve as consultants for DESCO. While TEPCO Power Grid has over 40 years of experience with the construction and operation of underground substations, this is its first overseas consulting agreement, with supervision of the bidding process and the construction. The project will be conducted from March 2019 to June 2025.

Given the high population density and increasing power consumption in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, its government plans to construct the first underground substation to stabilize the power supply and meet the increasing demand, which will contribute to economic development. In the project, TEPCO Power Grid and TEPSCO will assist DESCO in the underground substation’s design, contractor management, safety assessment, and risk reduction. In the future, DESCO plans to build commercial facilities atop on the underground substation, and it has also decided to introduce a gas-insulated transformer, which is a unique Japanese technology that will make the facility non-flammable.

[Japan] Marubeni and LO3 Energy Launched a Blockchain Pilot Project in Japan

Marubeni Corporation and LO3 Energy, a New York-based blockchain technology vendor, announced on February 20, 2019, that they have launched a blockchain pilot project in Japan. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology when applied to the power sector, as well as better improving Marubeni’s understanding of how to provide its customers with additional offerings using the blockchain technology. LO3 Energy, founded in 2012 in New York, has had extensive experience in developing blockchain-based peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading platforms in the United States, Europe, and Australia. Marubeni is Japan’s fifth largest trading company, with a strong electrical and industrial plant business. The global rapid transition of the power sector towards decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization is expected to accelerate P2P energy trading among DERs (Distributed Energy Resources), which are owned and operated by end-users. Marubeni has decided to partner with LO3 Energy in order to be at the forefront of the market change.

In the project, LO3 Energy will use blockchain to create a virtual electric marketplace, helping Marubeni to promote P2P energy trading among its self-owned power generators and its customers/end-users. It will test the virtual energy transaction network through LO3 Energy’s platform, by installing blockchain-enabled meters at energy sources and customers’/end-users’ sites and facilities.

[USA] "Georgia Power Announces New Microgrid Project with Georgia Tech"

[Southern Company, 6 March 2019]

Georgia Power will build a new 1.4MW microgrid - the Tech Square Microgrid- at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia. The microgrid will begin operations this fall. It will serve as a research microgrid and be used to determine how well a microgrid can be integrated into and operate as part of the wider electrical grid. The microgrid will include fuel cells, battery storage, diesel generators, and a natural gas generator- but it will also be able to integrate and "accomodate microturbines, solar panels and electric vehicle chargers." Paul Bowers, Chairman, President, and CEO for Georgia Power, stated of the collaboration, " "Working with Georgia Tech gives us an opportunity to drive innovation by collaborating with one of the nation's leading research institutions while students and faculty get a firsthand learning experience on an operating power system."

[USA] "Clean and Green: Duke Energy Issues Second Green Bond"

[Duke Energy, 7 March 2019]

Duke Energy's subsidiary, Duke Energy Progress, has issued $600 million in green bonds; the money generated from these bonds will go towards green energy projects such as the development of new solar farms in North and South Carolina. The green bonds are priced at a 3.45% fixed-rate coupon and with a 10-year maturity. This is the second round of green bonds Duke Energy has issued; the first round amounted to $1 billlion of green bonds issued in November 2018 by Duke Energy Carolinas. Duke Energy's green initiatives have already reduced the company's by 31% from 2005 levels. Steve Yoing, Duke Energy's Executive Vice President and CFO, stated, "We are providing our customers and communities with ever-cleaner energy – and these investments help us get there even faster as we expand renewable energy across the Carolinas. We saw strong interest in our first green bond last year and are excited to expand these offerings for investors.”

[USA] “After Busy 2018, Duke Energy Plans to Deliver More Solar Power to Customers in 2019”

[Duke Energy, 29 January 2019]

Duke Energy is helping more of their customers access solar power in North and South Carolina through various programs, incentives, and new solar energy projects. For instance, the company offers a $62 million solar rebate program, which is valid for another three years, for residential, commercial, and nonprofit customers in North Carolina. In fact, the program was so popular that, for 2019, the rebate allotment for residential customers has already been met. In South Carolina, Duke Energy has its $50 million solar rebate program that began in 2015, though it will soon expire. Duke has also added over 500 MW of solar capacity to North and South Carolina in 2018 alone – and over the last four years, over 2500 MW of solar capacity has been connected. The company also offers solar leasing to commercial customers through a subsdiary, and a “Shared Solar program” that allows customers to access solar energy without having solar panels in their home/business. Additionally, Duke Energy is waiting for the approval of their new “Green Source Advantage Program” for industrial customers; this program allows customers to “negotiate directly with solar developers to add more renewable energy to the grid, with no cost to other customer classes.”