#Japan #decarbonization #Hitachi #Ibaraki #EcoCute

Hitachi Launches Solar Power Self-Consumption Trial for a Sustainable Future

In a significant move towards regional decarbonization and sustainable energy use, Hitachi Global Life Solutions (Hitachi GLS) and Hitachi, Ltd. are initiating a program that aims to optimize the self-consumption of solar power in homes. This initiative aligns with their vision of creating a local production and consumption model of renewable energy, collaborating with local businesses and residents.

Objectives of the Trial

The trial is set to commence in early November 2025 across Ibaraki Prefecture, including Hitachi City. The primary goal is to encourage households to utilize solar power more effectively, with a target to enhance self-consumption by approximately 20%. This effort is positioned as part of Hitachi GLS's growth strategy, focusing on the digital transformation of products and services.

Participants in the trial will have Hitachi brand EcoCute units installed in their homes. Utilizing power sensors, the program will gather data on the operational status and power consumption of these units. With this data, AI algorithms will analyze the households' energy usage patterns—incorporating insights from the EcoCute's operational data, hot water demand, and overall power generation—to automatically formulate optimized operational plans. Additionally, the project will evaluate the economic benefits of solar power self-consumption and conduct simulations on the efficiency of daytime and nighttime operations.

Decarbonization and Economic Benefits

This project aims not only to reduce household electricity costs but also contributes to stabilizing the power grid and reducing CO₂ emissions through efficient energy management using EcoCute systems. Beyond immediate benefits to homeowners, the initiative envisions a broader impact where surplus power generated could be shared within the community. This innovative model will utilize Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) to facilitate the exchange of renewable energy among households.

Hitachi's commitment extends to their collaboration with Hitachi City on a co-creation project aimed at developing a next-generation smart city. This initiative underscores a comprehensive approach, achieving a decarbonized society by leveraging resources from both industries and academia. The focus will be on constructing a 'Green Industrial City' where the effective use of renewable energy across households and small businesses is crucial.

Background of the Initiative

The rising electricity costs and the growing adoption of renewable energy sources have spurred an increased need for households to capitalize on solar energy. Specifically, homes transitioning out of the fixed-price purchase program (known as '卒FIT') have encountered challenges in optimizing surplus electricity generation. EcoCute systems, which utilize heat energy effectively, present a promising solution in addressing these challenges.

Implementation Overview

• - Trial Period: November 2025 – January 2026 (tentative)
• - Participants: Members of the Hitachi Home Appliances Members Club with installed EcoCute units
• - Key Activities:

1. Measurement of household power consumption and generation through power sensors.
2. Collection and analysis of operational data from connected EcoCute systems.
3. Evaluation of the economic efficiency of EcoCute under daytime-nighttime operational patterns.
4. Assessment of the economic advantages of solar power self-consumption.

The project aims to improve household utilization of solar power by 20%, thereby contributing not only to financial savings but also to the stability of the electricity supply systems and reduction of CO₂ emissions via energy optimization.

Future Prospects

Following the trial, Hitachi GLS plans to collaborate with various stakeholders to build a local production and consumption model, maximizing the use of solar energy within the community. The project's success will enable fruitful support for regional decarbonization and stimulate economic cycles through the utilization of local resources.

Furthermore, Hitachi GLS aims to integrate data and insights gleaned from this trial into Lumada 3.0, contributing to the realization of the HMAX solution. This will support harmonized growth in environmental, social, and economic aspects, in line with Hitachi Group's visionary plan, Inspire 2027.

About Hitachi

Hitachi leverages IT and operational technologies through its Social Innovation Business to achieve a sustainable society where environmental, happiness, and economic growth coalesce. With a focus on creating value from data, the company aims to address societal challenges effectively.

For more information about the EcoCute initiative, please visit Hitachi EcoCute Home Page.