Technology Development to Ensure Flexibility and Optimize Power Grids for Integration Cost Reduction (NEDO Connect & Manage 2.0)

The “Sixth Strategic Energy Plan” (October 2021) announced the goal of renewable energy (RE) ratio of around 36-38% by 2030, which is an increasing need to promote the introduction of RE while simultaneously achieving “Energy Security”, “Economic Efficiency”, and “Environment” suitability, on the premise of “Safety” (S+3E). On the other hand, Japan's electric power grid is constructed based on the assumption of the amount of RE to be introduced, but the introduction speed is too fast and various issues are arisen as the amount of RE introduced increases. It is urgent to solve the problem of grid constraints and reduce the cost of connecting to the power grid (integration cost) for RE, whose output fluctuates according to natural conditions and suitable locations are unevenly distributed, to promote their introduction.

Based on the premise of S+3E, this project aims to promote the introduction of RE by reducing integration costs as much as possible. It will develop technologies to ensure and optimize the flexibility of the power grid.

Specifically, it aims to optimize the whole system as Connect & Manage 2.0 in Japan by implementing “development of flexibility technology utilizing distributed energy resources (DER) etc.,” “technological study of market-driven control systems,” and “technological study to improve the flexibility of biomass, hydroelectric, and geothermal power generation.

R&D Item 1: Development of flexibility technology utilizing DER, etc.

Establish basic technologies and system standard specifications for new methods of utilizing DER etc., which contribute to reducing congestion and RE curtailment under normal conditions or ensuring grid stability during accidents.

R&D item 2: Technological study of market-driven control systems

Complete the study of elemental technologies looking ahead of market-driven control systems such as nodal pricing or zonal pricing, and clarify the concrete prospects for the introduction of market-driven control systems.

R&D item 3: Technological study to improve the flexibility of biomass, hydroelectric, and geothermal power generation

Clarify the limitations and factors for improving the flexibility of biomass, hydropower, and geothermal power generation, as well as evaluate and analyze the flexibility to economically maximize the use of renewable energy without reducing the reliability of the power grid.

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  Image of Application (NEDO Connect & Manage 2.0)

OHNO Teruo (General Manager, Transmission and Distribution IT&OT Systems LLC)

OGASAWARA Yuka (Deputy Director, Renewable Energy Department, NEDO)