Japan Solar Update: No.186 (Feb 2 ~ 6, 2026)
Japan will mandate JC-STAR★1*-certified cybersecurity measures for PV and storage batteries from April 2027 under revised grid connection rules, while advancing DER expansion through regulatory reforms, subsidies, and long-term measures to support safe and stable deployment toward FY2040.
*JC-STAR: https://www.ipa.go.jp/en/security/jc-star/index.html
<Key points>
- As a cybersecurity measure for PV and storage batteries, in the April 2027 revision of the technical requirements for grid connection, METI presented its policy such as making it mandatory to use products that have obtained JC-STAR★1
- A package of measures concerning MW-scale PV projects was compiled at a meeting of relevant ministers, including strengthening of legal regulations against inappropriate projects and prioritizing support for the development of projects in harmony with local communities
- As matters for future consideration, business discipline that requires safety, including storage batteries that are not dependent on support systems, and analysis of the future introduction of storage batteries in response to the energy supply and demand outlook for FY 2040 were listed. It is planned to consider measures to promote long-term stable business continuity
Purpose of the establishment of the working group
- The working group was established for the purpose of considering measures to promote the introduction of DERs
- In addition to examining individual issues of demand-side resources* and supply-side resources**, a comprehensive consideration will be made, including what kind of resource allocation is optimal from the perspective of optimizing the social cost of the power system
* Storage batteries for residential and commercial applications, cogeneration, heat pump water heaters, power data, etc.
** Grid-scale storage batteries, storage batteries annexed to renewable energy generation systems, LDES or long duration energy storage (liquefied air storage, compressed air storage), etc.
Status of efforts to expand DERs
Report on subsidies for the introduction of grid-scale storage batteries, etc.
Making it mandatory to take cybersecurity measures in the grid connection technology requirements
- For PV and storage batteries, in the April 2027 revision of the technical requirements for grid connection, it will become mandatory to use products that have obtained JC-STAR★1
- For low voltage (less than 50kW) projects, there will be a transitional period of about half a year, and the requirement will take effect in October 2027
- The timing of the start of application to wind power and fuel cells will be considered hereafter based on the results of confirmation with the industry
Matters for future considerations in the working group
| Demand side resources |
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| Supply side resources |
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Figure 1 Overview of deliberations of the Working Group on Strategies for Promoting Distributed Energy Resources
Source: Materials of the 1st meeting of the Working Group on Strategies for Promoting Distributed Energy Resources (December 19, 2025), compiled by RTS Corporation