Japan’s ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is to launch a programme to assist the installation of sodium-sulphur (NAS) and other large-scale storage batteries for power systems. As well as subsidising the installation of large-scale storage batteries by electric utilities and renewable energy operators, METI will also provide support for data analyses after the installation to accelerate the development of advanced technologies and cost reduction. The ministry will include about 10 billion yen for this purpose in the budget request for the next fiscal year.
By deciding to actively support the introduction of large-scale storage batteries METI is effectively supporting the proposition that they are abl to maximise the potential of wind and solar power generation by smoothing fluctuations in power output and allowing storage of off-peak generation. The types of storage batteries eligible for the subsidy have not been specified, as a way of increasing the opportunities for companies to apply for the grant programme. While the grant rate has not been determined, it is being expected to be at least 50 per cent.
Japan’s government has already announced its strategy in this area. It intends that Japanese companies will acquire about half of the world’s storage battery market share by 2020, and of that about 35% is expected to be for large-scale storage batteries.
