The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan will launch a program to assist the installation of sodium-sulfur (NAS) and other large-scale storage batteries for power systems. In addition to subsidizing electric utilities and renewable energy operators for installing large-scale storage batteries, METI will also provide support for data analyses after the installation to accelerate the development of advanced technologies and cost reduction. The ministry looks to include about 10 billion yen for this purpose in the budget request for the next fiscal year.
METI decided to actively support the introduction of large-scale storage batteries based on the understanding that they are effective in maximizing the potential of wind and solar power generation, whose output tends to be unstable. By installing these batteries in solar and wind power plants, electric utilities’ substations and other facilities, fluctuations in power output will be reduced as the batteries will make it possible for surplus electricity to be fully utilized. The types of storage batteries eligible for the subsidy are not specified so as to increase the opportunity for companies to apply for the grant program. While the grant rate has not been determined, it is being negotiated to be at least 50 per cent.
METI announced its strategy on storage batteries in July this year. The strategy aims that Japanese companies acquire about half of the world’s storage battery market share by 2020. Within this share, a little more than one third is envisaged for large-scale storage batteries.
