The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has agreed on the framework (draft) of a new “Output Curtailment Measures package”.　 While the current amount of output control is on an increasing trend, METI will take further steps than before to further expand the introduction of renewable energy in order to realize the energy mix in 2030.

On the demand side, we will promote the use of renewable energy during the output control period by creating and shifting demand through the introduction of grid storage batteries and other measures.

On the supply side, In order to encourage introduction of renewable energy, a system that prioritizes the use of renewable energy by putting renewable energy facilities online will be established and further use of the FIP system will be promoted. In terms of grid reinforcement, the operation of interconnection lines will be reviewed and further reinforcement will be carried out to increase the amount of transmission outside the region. In some areas, approximately 40% of the total photovoltaic generation capacity* cannot be actually controlled, and the plan is to consider measures to increase the number of facilities that can be actually curtailed.

In addition, the committee also discussed the development of a business environment for renewable energy to become a long-term power source, ensuring business discipline, next-generation technologies, and other issues. Based on the committee members’ suggestions, METI stated that the project such as discipline is a starting point, and that it is important to further increase the introduction of renewable energy in a more balanced manner to achieve the 2030 target and carbon neutrality by 2050. METI will work together with the related ministries and agencies to expand the introduction of renewable energy.

*Off-line solar power generation facilities to be subject to proxy control, solar power generation facilities of less than 10 kW that are not subject to output curtailment