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 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.

What is Japan's storage battery industry strategy?

The “Storage Battery Industry Strategy” document from METI sets out three key targets: Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Japan aims to ramp up its domestic production of automotive storage batteries to 100 GWh by 2030, with a long-term goal of reaching 150 GWh annually. This move highlights the potential for foreign companies to invest in Japan.

Should you buy a battery storage system in Japan?

In addition, Japan’s capacity market is currently limited to battery storage systems lasting 3 hours, and the uncertainty of its overall revenue stack may make investors cautious about purchasing large-scale battery storage systems.

Why is Sumitomo launching a large-scale energy storage platform?

One of the main reasons is the insufficient capacity of transmission lines. In response to this issue, Sumitomo Corporation aims to expand its business of storing energy nationwide in Japan by developing a large-scale energy storage platform that can compensate for this lack of transmission line capacity.

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.