What is Japan's first energy storage project?

In 2015, we started Japan's first demonstration project covering energy storage connected to the power grid in the Koshikishima, Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima. This project is still operating in a stable manner today. One feature of our grid energy storage system is that it utilizes reused batteries from EVs.

Why is energy storage important in Japan?

Japan’s government has recognised that energy storage must play a key role in delivering energy supply stability and security and meeting renewable energy targets of 36%-38% of the generation mix by 2030. The target is part of a key Green Transformation (‘GX’) policy strategy toward carbon neutrality by 2050.

Why are Japanese companies investing in battery energy storage systems?

Sign up here. That is creating surging interest in battery energy storage systems (BESS) to smooth mismatches in supply and demand. Since December 2023, companies have announced investments of at least $2.6 billion in Japanese battery storage projects, according to calculations by Reuters.

How big is Japan's battery storage capacity?

Rystad forecasts Japan's battery storage capacity could reach about 4 GW based on projects under construction, planned and awarded, which would require $6 billion in investment.

How much battery power does Japan have?

As of March, Japan had 0.23 GW of grid-connected BESS, according to METI. By comparison, China has 75 GW and the U.S. has installed nearly 26 GW of battery storage capacity, according to the Energy Institute.

Where are Japanese power stations located?

Clockwise from top left, a Japanese power station in Kanagawa prefecture, a Sumitomo Corp.-built battery station in Kumamoto city, and wind turbines in Hokkaido's Ishikari bay. (Source photos by Konosuke Urata, Keigo Yoshida and Yasuki Okamoto)