[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

[Japan] TEPCO Power Grid Partnership with NExT-e Solutions to Study Battery Storage Lifecycle Management

On July 17, 2019, TEPCO Power Grid announced a partnership with NExT-e Solutions, a Japanese energy battery management system company,[1] to study battery storage lifecycle management. Battery storage, such as the lithium-ion batteries used in vehicles, can be re-used to adjust the electricity supply and demand, and to balance frequency fluctuations. Currently, it is difficult to evaluate the battery storage’s performance after the first use, and there are not yet any methods to better maximize the use of battery storage.

 In this study, TEPCO Power Grid aims to build a battery storage lifecycle management platform to maximize the value of used battery storage and promote the re-use of battery storage. TEPCO Power Grid will leverage its knowledge of electricity supply and demand and the operation of battery storage as a part of the study. NExT-e Solutions will be responsible for the developing battery storage control technology and managing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to collect, manage, and analyze the battery storage data.[2] 

[1] https://www.nextes.jp/service/?id=naiyo

[2] http://www.tepco.co.jp/pg/company/press-information/press/2019/1515883_8614.html

[Japan] Kansai Electric Power Acquires Shares of Electricity North West to Join Electricity Distribution Services in the United Kingdom

On July 30, 2019, Kansai Electric Power announced that it would acquire 17.67% of the total shares of Electricity North West Limited, an electricity distribution network operator in the United Kingdom.[1] It will be the first time for Kansai to participate in the electricity distribution network in Europe. Kansai Electric Power will be the first Japanese power utility company to invest in a large-scale electricity distribution network company that is currently in operation overseas.

The United Kingdom is expected to expand distributed energy resource and shift its primary source of heating from gas to electricity, as part of its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country’s electricity distribution network is therefore required to be upgraded. Electricity North West Limited provides electricity to about 5 million customers in the Manchester to Cumbria area through a 57,000km distribution network. Kansai Electric Power will work with Electricity North West Limited to upgrade and maintain the local electricity distribution networks, while exploring for more business opportunities in the United Kingdom.[2]

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2019/pdf/0730_1j_01.pdf

[2] https://www.kepco.co.jp/corporate/pr/2019/0730_1j.html

[USA]“Detroit Zoo to Meet 100% Renewable Energy Goal”

[Detroit Zoological Society, 22 August 2019]

The Detroit Zoo, located in Michigan, has announced that they will aim to achieve 100% renewable energy use through DTE Energy’s MIGreenPower program by the end of 2020. The energy will be sourced from three new wind energy sites. As a result, 7,425 metric tons of CO2 will be offset. This is not the first time the Detroit Zoological Society has taken steps towards sustainability; in fact, the organization has already received four awards for its environmental initiatives (including a permeable pavement for diverting storm water, an anaerobic digester for transforming animal waste into compost and energy, and the use of solar/electric hybrid golf carts and bicycles for transportation within the zoo. The zoo is also the first of its kind to install a Smartflower, which is “an all-in-one ground-mounted solar panel system that generates more than 4,000 kw of electricity annually.” The Detroit Zoological Society is also working towards energy efficiency by upgrading over 50 of the zoo’s buildings and will install LED lighting throughout the zoo.

[USA] “WFEC, NextEra Energy Resources, Planning Largest Combined Wind, Solar and Energy Storage Facility in U.S.”

[Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, 23 July 2019]

The Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) will enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with NextEra Energy Resources. The project will be the “largest combined wind, solar and energy storage project in the U.S.” There will be two phases to the project, the Skeleton Creek Wind site (250 MW capacity) will come online by the end of 2019; Skeleton Creek Solar (250 MW of solar) and Skeleton Creek Storage (200 MW – 4 hour duration battery project) will both come online at the end of 2023. The Skeleton Creek projects will help WFEC diversify their energy portfolio which will soon consist of 521 MW of solar generation, 955 MW of wind generation, and 270 MW of hydroelectric generation. Additionally, by the time these projects come online, 50% of WFEC’s nameplate capacity will come from wind, solar, and hydro energy. Furthermore, these new projects will also revitalize the local economy, create hundreds of construction jobs, full-time operational jobs, and millions of dollars of additional revenue to the residents and the communities in the region. John Ketchum, President and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources, said of the upcoming projects, ““Pairing renewable energy with battery storage presents a tremendous advantage for Western Farmers and its customers. With this combined facility, we can optimize and maximize the amount of low-cost, emissions-free electricity we provide, while helping Western Farmers diversify its power generation portfolio, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and set a great example for others to follow.”

[USA] “Duke Energy Renewables Announces the Largest Wind Power Project in its Fleet – 350 MW Frontier Windpower [sic] II in Oklahoma”

[Duke Energy, 24 July 2019]

Duke Energy Renewables, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, has announced their largest wind power project of its fleet as of yet. The Frontier Windpower II project of 350 MW is located in Kay County, Oklahoma. Nordex Group will provide the 74 4.8 MW turbines needed for this project. The project will be fully operational by December of 2020. The project is a continuation of an existing site -Frontier Windpower; together, Frontier I and II will generate a combined total of 550 MW of wind energy which will then be able to power around 193,000 homes. Ball Corporation – involved in the packaging and aerospace industries- has signed onto a 15 year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for 161 MW of the Frontier II site and another corporation has agreed to a VPPA for the purchase of 160 MW (the name of this corporation will be announced later in 2019). John A. Hayes, Chairman, President, and CEO of the Ball Corporation, signaled the importance of sustainability credentials for his company saying of the VPPA, “The renewable energy agreement with Duke Energy Renewables places Ball among the leading corporate buyers of renewable energy in our industry and the U.S., marking a critical moment in our sustainability journey. Utilizing renewable energy is an important lever to further enhance the sustainability credentials of our packaging and demonstrates our commitment to have the aluminum can recognized as the most sustainable package.”

[Japan] J-Power USA Development has ordered two M501 J-series air-cooled power turbines for the Jackson Generation Project in Illinois

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) announced on July 1, 2019, that J-Power USA Development (J-Power), an international power generating company[1], has ordered two of Mitsubishi’s M501 J-series air-cooled (M501JAC) power turbines. The turbines will be used at the 1,298 MW Jackson Generation Project, a Gas Turbine Combined Cycle Power Plant (GTCC) that will be built in Elwood, Illinois. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations in April 2022. The electricity generated by the facility will be supplied through PJM, an energy market in the eastern U.S.

The Jackson Generation Project is the world’s first project to introduce a JAC-type gas turbine with air cooling for the combustor. The gas turbine will be operated at a turbine inlet temperature of 1,600°C, aiming to improve the plant’s efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project’s power generation can reach 64% efficiency, and it is anticipated to be 99.5% reliable. The project will also adopt Mitsubishi’s MHPS-TOMONI digital solutions platform to optimize power plant operations.[2]

[1] https://jpowerusa.com/about_japan/

[2] https://www.mhps.com/jp/news/20190708.html?_ga=2.69733648.1828284031.1563074247-236393945.1554096284

[Japan] Osaka Gas Singapore and Energy Pro Established OE Solar in Thailand

Osaka Gas Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Osaka Gas, announced on July 3, 2019, that it and Energy Pro Corporation, a solar power company in Thailand, had agreed to jointly establish OE Solar in Thailand. OE Solar will supply the electricity generated from solar energy to commercial and industrial customers in Thailand. OE Solar will install photovoltaic facilities on building roofs or grounds surfaces owned by its customers to produce electricity for a 15-to-20-year supply.

Daigas Group, which owns Osaka Gas, has expressed its intention to explore overseas energy business opportunities in “Going Forward Beyond Borders 2030”, its long-term management vision and medium-term plan. Daigas Group is targeting the Southeast Asian market and intends to increase its investment in the region. In accordance with Daigas Group’s goal to secure at least 1 GW of renewable energy by about 2030, the establishment of OE Solar will be Osaka Gas’s first involvement in a renewable energy generation project in Southeast Asia.

Thailand expects in its Power Development Plan 2018 that renewable energy will account for 20% (excluding hydropower imports) of all power sources in the nation in 2037. This is why renewable energy is attracting increasing attention in Thailand.[1]

[Japan] Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy Held Meeting to Discuss Japan’s Energy Strategy

On July 1, 2019, Japan’s Strategic Policy Committee of Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy held its first meeting in six months to exchange views on recent energy trends and to consider the progress of policies for energy conversion and decarbonization in Japan. The meeting was held after the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy Transitions and Global Environment for Sustainable Growth, which was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on June 15 and 16.[1],[2]

During the meeting, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy briefed the Strategic Policy Committee on the agreement that was concluded during the G20 Ministerial Meeting on the importance of energy conversion, and the concept of a virtuous cycle for the environment and growth. The Agency also reported on recent trends and changes in energy security issues, including the energy supply and demand, geopolitical risk, environmental awareness, energy technology, and Japan’s position on energy policy.  

After the briefing, the Strategic Policy Committee members gave their opinions on various issues. Given the rising tensions in the Middle East, the committee expressed the need to develop alternative plans to secure Japan’s crude oil supply without transiting the Strait of Hormuz, since currently about 80% of Japan’s crude oil supply transits through the area. Regarding the use of nuclear power, the committee raised its concerns about the lack of a clear strategy to promote nuclear power, despite the fact that the Japanese government has set a goal to expand nuclear energy from 20% to 22% of the country's energy mix by 2030. The committee also discussed the importance of technology innovation, such as IoT and digitalization, and emphasized that the government needs to consider how to promote innovation, solicit private investment, and utilize data, particularly for energy management and integration with other fields, such as the electrification of the transportation sector. [3]

[1] https://www.jaif.or.jp/190701-1

[2] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2019/06/20190618008/20190618008.html

[3] https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/committee/council/basic_policy_subcommittee/029/pdf/029_006.pdf

[USA] “NextEra Energy Transmission Completes Acquisition of Underwater Transmission Cable System”

[NextEra Energy, 16 July 2019]

NextEra Energy Transmission, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, has finalized its acquisition of Trans Bay Cable, LLC. Trans Bay Cable is a transmission utility that owns a 53-mile high-voltage dc underwater transmission cable system. This cable system goes from Pittsburgh, California to San Francisco, California. Jim Robo, chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, said of the acquisition, “This transaction furthers our goal of creating America's leading competitive transmission company and is consistent with our strategy of adding high-quality regulated assets to our portfolio."

[USA] “Portland General Electric’s Ambitious Smart Grid Test Bed Launches”

[Portland General Electric, 15 July 2019]

Portland General Electric (PGE) has launched its latest venture into new and innovative technologies, the Smart Grid Test Bed. The Test Bed aims to “integrate smart grid technology on a scale never before attempted in the United States.” The project will cover three neighborhoods in its service territory – and over 20,000 of their customers will be able to participate in the demand response programs involved with the test bed; they will also be able to receive incentives for using smart-home technologies. The pilot will also help boost the development of distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, batteries, thermostats, water heaters, and EV charging.  PGE hopes this project will be a major step in creating a virtual power plant and “will help address climate change, empower communities in how they consume energy and create a more resilient power system, all while saving customers money.”

[USA] “Governor Phil Scott Details Initiatives to Increase Electric Vehicles in Vermont”

[Office of Governor Phil Scott, 12 July 2019]

Phil Scott, the Governor of Vermont, is steadily working on boosting the use of EVs in Vermont. Vermont has a Comprehensive Energy Plan that targets having 50,000 plug-in electric vehicles (with Vermont registration) by 2025; there are only 3,100 PEVs registered to the state at the moment. In his FY 2020 budget, Scott also suggested a $1.1 million incentive to encourage low and moderate-income residents to purchase or lease and EV. In addition, the state released a Transportation Bill that stipulates requirements for encouraging the development and deployment of public chagrining infrastructure. Governor Scott said of EVs, “Electrifying the transportation sector will help clean the air and keep millions of dollars within our economy. While more work needs to be done, Vermont has taken strong steps toward a renewable transportation sector. Accelerating vehicle electrification will continue to be a priority of my Administration.”

[Japan] Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Established a New Company in the Philippines to Expand its Business Opportunities

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) announced on June 24, 2019, that it had established “MHPS (Philippines) Plant Services Corporation (MHPS-PSC)” in the Philippines. Since MHPS already had a local boiler manufacturing factory in the Philippines, the launch of the MHPS-PSC aims to expand the company’s local business opportunities by providing services for thermal power plants.

MHPS has a lot of past experience with receiving orders and supplying equipment for thermal and geothermal generation facilities in the Philippines. There has been increasing local demand for the modernization of power plants and the associated efficiency improvements, due to the increased electricity demand as a result of economic growth. Accordingly, the MHPS established the MHPS-PSC in order to secure future opportunities to expand its business operations.

MHPS-PSC’s local parent company, MHPS-PLH, set up a head office and a boiler factory in Batangas City in southern Luzon, and the new head office of MHPS-PSC was established at a MHPS-PLH’s property. The MHPS-PSC began operating with about 50 employees, exploring business opportunities throughout the entire nation. Meanwhile, MHPS-PLH will assist MHPS-PSC by providing manufacturing and maintenance services from its own boiler factory. The two companies will work together on increasing their market share in Southeast Asia, taking fully advantages of synergistic effects.