Japan Solar Update: No.133 (Jan 27 ~ 31, 2025)
The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) under METI presented its policy to start a tentative additional measure toward prompt grid connection of grid-scale storage batteries. ANRE approves early interconnection on the condition that storage battery installers install a device which restricts charge during specific time period at their own expense. The policy will be started from April 2025.
<Key points>
- As of September 30, 2024, approx. 88 GW of grid-scale storage batteries applied for grid connection assessment nationwide, and approx. 6.2 GW applied for grid connection contracts. Compared to May 31, 2023, the volume of applications for grid connection assessment increased by about 8 times.
- Discussions are made whether to target bulk power systems and local grids for additional measures for early grid connection and whether the storage battery installation contractors bear the cost burden, and the policy is to begin implementation in April 2025
The status of applications for grid connection assessment and grid connection contract for grid-scale storage batteries (as of September 30, 2024)
Grid connection assessment (national): 11.89 GW (as of May 31, 2023) → 87.98 GW (as of Sep. 30, 2024)
Grid connection contracts (national): 1.12 GW (as of May 31, 2023) → 6.23 GW (as of Sep. 30, 2024)
Considerations to realize additional and provisional measures for early grid connection
Measures to allow grid connection without grid reinforcement will be introduced, if grid strengthening can be avoided under the premise that restriction of recharging is agreed during certain periods, etc.
| Item | Summary of discussions |
|---|---|
| Positioning of additional measures for early grid connection | Additional measures shall be applied only when the grid still needs to be strengthened even though existing measures (N-1 charging stop devices, etc.) are applied |
| Applicable grids and power sources (voltage class) | Bulk power systems and local grids, grid-scale storage batteries and storage batteries, annexed to renewable energy generation facilities, for grid charging |
| Applicable grids (grid characteristics) | General power transmission and distribution operators determine whether or not to apply the measures from a technical point of view |
| Method to restrict recharging | Storage battery installation contractors possess systemic safety means that restricts charging |
| Cost burden | The cost of implementing the measures shall be borne by the storage battery installation contractors (including the operators) |
Consideration will be accelerated, and additional measures for early grid connection are planned to be applied from April 2025
Figure 3 The status of applications for grid connection assessment and grid connection contract of grid-scale storage batteries, etc.
Source: Materials of the 53rd meeting of Working Group on Grid Connection of Renewable Energy (December 2, 2024), compiled by RTS Corporation