Japan NRG

🆕 The latest issue of Japan NRG Weekly is out now. Enjoy reading! 📩 If you want full access then please subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly report by contacting us at: info@japan-nrg.com Below is a brief overview. These are the top energy and electricity news in the 𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟗 edition: ▶︎ BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE : Toyota, other major automakers to boost domestic battery production capacity with ¥1 trillion investment ▶︎ DECARBONIZATION : Aomori expert panel proposes zones where renewables development won’t be allowed ▶︎ POWER MARKETS : Non-fossil value trading sees huge increase in renewable energy-designated contracts Our latest 𝑭𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑬𝑺: ◆ ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS : Integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into the grid is essential to accelerate clean energy projects, but securing a grid connection has led to bottlenecks due to limited transmission capacity. The government is addressing this through subsidies and other initiatives to encourage BESS adoption. As Japan takes a leading role in Asia’s grid-scale energy storage market, it’s attracting both domestic and international companies, including major players like Tesla. ◆ SOLAR / AGRIVOLTAICS : n an effort to boost solar power capacity, Japan seeks to install more panels on farmland. With large-scale utility solar projects facing a shortage of open space and increasing scrutiny from residents who worry about panels located on steep slopes, agrisolar looks like an optimal solution. Japan’s solar power goals for 2030 have given new impetus to this niche. If it succeeds, it could significantly boost total solar power capacity in the country. Want more details? Subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly reports. Info via info@japan-nrg.com OR, sign up for our free Japan NRG Lite newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #energy #japan #decarbonization #japannrg

Introducing: Connecting Green Hydrogen Japan 2024! As Japan NRG has done in previous years, we'll be one of the supporting partners for this year's installment of the Connecting Green Hydrogen Japan event. It's a great place to meet folks interested in this emerging sector and hear the latest thoughts in the industry. From the organizers: ======================================================= We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Connecting Green Hydrogen Japan to Bellesalle Shibuya Garden Tokyo on 16-17 October, 2024.   Featuring over 3,000+ stakeholders and a powerful presence of 60+ exhibitors and sponsors, CGHJ2024 provides an ideal platform for engaging with potential and existing partners in the Japanese market. CGHJ2024 has garnered substantial support from a diverse array of entities, including governments, leading Oil & Gas corporations, hydrogen developers, investors, and technology pioneers. Notable participants include The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, ENEOS Corporation, Tokyo Gas, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsui & Co., Marubeni Corporation, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Stanwell Corporation, Masdar, Uniper, Chiyoda Corporation, Siemens Energy, thyssenkrupp and many more.   Register for #CGHJ2024 with our exclusive discount code JP20NRG :  https://lnkd.in/gqdEZxyu   #CGHJ2024 #Hydrogen #Ammonia #Investment #SupplyChain #Partnership #Japan

𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 / 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐂𝐒 : In an effort to boost solar power capacity, Japan is looking to install more solar panels on farmland. While efforts go back more than a decade, widespread development has been slow to catch on. However, Japan’s solar power goals for 2030 have given new impetus to this niche. If it succeeds, it could significantly boost total solar power capacity in the country, and serve as an example to others.   Often referred to as “agrisolar,” this approach refers to the dual use of land to cultivate crops and generate electricity from solar panels installed above farmland. In Japan, it’s also called “solar sharing,” while in Europe and North America it’s known as agri-voltaics. Whatever the name, this approach to solar allows operators to generate extra income from producing clean electricity.   The dual-use / dual-income strategy is gaining more traction in Japan recently with international solar developers and big domestic firms getting involved. For some, this is a chance to test new technologies. For many, this is an avenue for new capacity growth, with large-scale utility solar projects today facing challenges such as a shortage of open space and increasing scrutiny from residents who see solar farms as an eyesore or worry about panels located on steep slopes.   𝐽𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑅𝐺 takes a closer look at the challenges and opportunities facing the agrisolar industry. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #japan #energy #solarpower #agrivoltaics #japannrg 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gnei9xyk

𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄 : Japan's expanding data center industry and the growth of digital infrastructure are driving up energy demand, spurring the adoption of innovative green solutions such as battery storage systems that are crucial for the long-term success of renewable power generation.   For many renewables developers and major power users, integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into the grid is becoming essential to accelerate clean energy projects and make them viable. However, securing a grid connection has led to bottlenecks, with the green project pipeline increasingly congested due to limited transmission capacity.   Both central and local governments are addressing this issue through subsidies and other initiatives to encourage the adoption of battery storage. One such initiative, the Long-Term Decarbonized Power Sources Auction (LTDA) launched last year, has been particularly successful in fueling the BESS boom. The results of the first round convinced METI to double the capacity allocated for battery storage.   As Japan takes a leading role in Asia’s grid-scale energy storage market, it’s attracting international companies, including players like Tesla, which is known for its large-scale battery storage product, the Megapack.   𝐽𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑅𝐺 examines the latest trends in Japan's grid-scale battery market. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn hashtag #japan #energy #BESS #energystorage #japannrg 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gnWjA2N7

NIMS seeks partnerships with businesses to research solid ammonia In an exclusive, Japan NRG has learned that the National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS) seeks partnerships with businesses to research converting ammonia gas into solid at room temperatures. In May 2023, Dr. Morishita Masao, who was then a professor at Hyogo University, discovered that ammonia could convert into solid form at room temperatures by trapping the substance into borate glass that resembles a fried donut filled with ice cream. Dr. Morishita joined NIMS earlier this year and heads the NIMS project team “Building thermodynamics mathematical models on the structure and formation of solid ammonia, the dream hydrogen carrier”. CONTEXT: Ammonia converts into liquid at -30C and could be transported, but there are safety issues such as slips and corrosion of containers and equipment that come in contact with it. Dr. Morishita was initially studying hydrogen storage in ammonia borane compounds and claims his discovery of solid ammonia was purely accidental. TAKEAWAY: Dr. Morishita found that the ammonia stays intact in the borate glass until 52C. If this ammonia borane mechanism could be fully explained, it could resolve ammonia transport and storage issues, widen hydrogen family’s energy potential. (NIMS has several sites around Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. One site is in the photo below.) #japan #energytransition #cleanenergy #ammonia #hydrogenenergy #nims

𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐒 : At least three times this summer, large volumes of electricity had to be transferred quickly between the major regions into which Japan’s power system is split. The technical aspect of this has so far not caused notable issues, despite ongoing concerns over the country’s aging and segregated power grid. But there are questions around how this electricity is procured.   As part of the liberalization of the electricity sector over the past decade, METI oversaw the unbundling of regional power utilities (EPCOs) and the creation of several market platforms to facilitate non-discriminatory trading in electricity. But one area where this free-market push has struggled to yield results is ‘balancing’, which is the system under which regional transmission operators (TSOs) procure electricity when output fails to meet scheduled levels due to weather, natural disaster, or other reasons.   The balancing marketplace, also known as the Supply-Demand Adjustment Market, was set up in 2021 to help TSOs manage their local grid and system security. This platform was meant to bring together the nine TSOs that cover all of Japan (aside from Okinawa), thus making it easier – and cheaper – to source generation resources from another region when in need. The problem is that almost half of TSOs barely use this market.   The situation has implications beyond power market design. A number of battery operators entering the Japanese market are looking at options to sell power (i.e., outside of bilateral agreements). In addition to the established spot and futures power markets, there’s interest in tapping into revenues from balancing.   What’s more, METI envisions an evolution of Japan’s electricity markets that would include the adoption of something akin to the PJM Ancillary Services Market in the U.S., a nodal structure and a three-part offer system in which balancing is one of the components.   So, can the energy planners and power industry players make the balancing system work? ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #japan #energy #electricity #powermarkets #METI #japannrg 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gBv5wjjn

𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 / 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐄 : Japan is betting big on perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology to boost green energy capacity and to become a global leader in one of the most innovative new clean energy technologies.   The electrical characteristics of perovskite compounds, verified by Professor Miyasaka of Toin University in Yokohama in 2009, hold the promise of having the ability to significantly magnify solar energy potential.   Some PSC modules are less than 1 mm thick, weighing under 1.5 kg/ m2, and do not require the extreme heat (about 1,000°C) with which current silicon-based solar panels are produced.   Any surface of buildings, bridges, cars, etc can be used as zero-emission power stations by simply applying these film-like modules, according to Dr. Miyasaka.   This technology, however, has a few major drawbacks: low power efficiency (less than 20%); difficulties in establishing systematic mass production; vulnerability to moisture and heat; and more.   Solutions have yet to be found. And yet, the government wants to make PSC commercially viable as soon as possible, and towards that goal it’s encouraging businesses to do field trials to quickly identify any problems and then to find solutions. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #japan #energy #solarpower #perovskite #japannrg 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gzqn7ab3

🆕 The latest issue of Japan NRG Weekly is out. Enjoy reading! 📩 If you want full access then please subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly report by contacting us at: info@japan-nrg.com Below is a brief overview. These are the top energy and electricity news in the 𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐 edition: ▶︎ ENERGY POLICY / DECARBONIZATION : Govt plans ¥1.2 trillion GX budget for FY2025, with eye on major emitters ▶︎ ENERGY POLICY / DECARBONIZATION : PM Kishida outlines key steps to advance GX, including need to restart TEPCO’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP ▶︎ NUCLEAR POWER : Chances decrease for Tomari NPP restart in time for launch of Rapidus chip plan Our latest 𝑭𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑬𝑺: ◆ SOLAR POWER / PEROVSKITE : Japan is betting big on perovskite solar cell tech to boost green energy capacity and to become a global leader. Any surface of buildings, bridges, etc can be used as zero-emission power stations by simply applying these film-like modules. But it has a few major drawbacks: low power efficiency of less than 20%, and more. Still, the government wants to make PSC commercially viable, and it’s encouraging businesses to do field trials to identify problems and to find solutions. ◆ POWER MARKETS : At least three times this summer, large volumes of electricity had to be transferred quickly between the major regions. The technical aspect of this has so far not caused notable issues, but there are questions around how this electricity is procured. The balancing marketplace was set up in 2021 to help TSOs manage their local grid and system security. The problem is that almost half of TSOs barely use this market. So, can the energy planners and power industry players make the balancing system work? Want more details? Subscribe to the premium Japan NRG Weekly reports. Info via info@japan-nrg.com OR, sign up for our free Japan NRG Lite newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #energy #japan #decarbonization #japannrg

𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌 : A series of natural disasters this summer, from an earthquake in south Japan to Typhoon Ampil along the coast of greater Tokyo, served as a reminder of the need to make energy systems resilient even in times of extreme crises. Efforts to mitigate ensuing risks now extend to energy generation with a growing number of municipalities across the country seeking to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy in order to secure power supply during emergencies. The issue of securing backup sources is becoming more important as the mainstay of Japan’s energy system are aging thermal plants. This is a factor that even METI minister Saito recently underscored, noting that periods of extreme weather, such as this summer’s heat, are putting undue strain on domestic energy systems. Given the difficulty in accurately predicting extreme weather impact, never mind the occurrence of a natural disaster, local and national authorities are also looking for emergency backup energy sources that could be utilized quickly and flexibly. Restarting a mothballed coal or oil-fired power plant would take days, even if it had received regular maintenance. That’s another reason why municipalities are turning to batteries, EVs, and other clean energy sources, seeking both lower emissions and a more nimble approach. 𝐽𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑅𝐺 takes a look at some energy emergency response measures implemented in the wake of major disasters, as well as recent trends showing increased reliance on renewables in times of emergency. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #japan #energy #electricity #renewables #emergency #japannrg 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/ggEVrP44

𝐂𝐂𝐒 : When the Japanese Advanced CCS Projects were first announced last year, only two of the seven projects required overseas CO2 transportation. But recently, METI added two more international projects, bringing the total to nine. Now, of these nine, six will require marine transportation of CO2 — four to overseas locations and two to domestic sites. JOGMEC has stated that shipping CO2 from Japan to overseas storage sites will be vital. Transportation of liquefied CO2 (LCO2) by ship is the obvious solution for the CCS value chain, and this will require grappling with both engineering and cost issues. Most storage sites are expected to be in Southeast Asia, as well as Australia, which means long shipping routes that bring additional complications than if the CO2 was stored at home. Clarifying on how most efficiently to transport CO2 will be imperative. By 2030 most of the planned CCS projects are slated to start commercial operation, yet much of the technology remains stuck in the R&D stage. Project developers are worried about the overall cost assessment of the value chain, urging the industry to move from its current engineering phase to more practical tests and applications. 𝐽𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑅𝐺 explores some of the challenges that the nascent carbon industry is facing in envisioning a CCS value chain to overseas storage sites. ----------------------------------- This is an extract from a premium *Japan NRG Weekly* report. For information about subscribing check the Japan NRG website or email: info@japan-nrg.com If you're looking for a free newsletter with headlines on Japan-related energy and electricity news, sign up for the *Lite* : https://lnkd.in/gh7XdNCn #japan #energy #ccs #CO2 #japannrg 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/ghTccRHg