#Japan #Renewable Energy #Hitachi #Matsuyama

Hitachi's Pioneering Role in Renewable Energy with Matsuyama Power Station

Hitachi, Ltd. has successfully supplied a comprehensive battery storage system to Matsuyama Mikan Energy LLC for their newly constructed Matsuyama Power Station in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. The station commenced operations on August 1, featuring a rated output of 12MW and a storage capacity of 35.8MWh. This project is not only significant due to its scale but also because it marks the first installation of a grid-connected battery storage system by Hitachi Group in Japan.

One Hitachi: An Integrated Approach

The battery storage system provided by Hitachi showcases their One Hitachi initiative, which emphasizes a coordinated effort across design, procurement, construction, and testing. Leveraging their global expertise and established success in power conversion technologies, Hitachi Energy’s solutions are employed to ensure efficient charge and discharge, balanced against real-time electricity demand. This advanced management system also stabilizes supply and supports the utilization of renewable energy sources, contributing to Japan's carbon neutrality strategy aimed for 2050.

Context and Need for Energy Storage

As part of Japan's commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050, the government has been pushing to integrate renewable energy sources like solar power into the grid. However, managing the fluctuations in electricity supply due to varied weather patterns presents a challenge. Energy storage systems, such as the one implemented at Matsuyama, can mitigate this issue by storing energy during peak production times and releasing it during periods of high consumption, thus optimizing the use of renewables and maintaining supply-demand balance.

In light of these challenges, Matsuyama Mikan Energy was founded as a joint venture between Shikoku Electric Power Co., Inc. and CHC Japan, and the construction of the Matsuyama Power Station began in 2023. Hitachi's extensive capability to handle system design, equipment supply, installation, and trial operation made their battery storage system the ideal choice for this project.

Hitachi Group’s Extensive Role

With a long-standing history in the electric power sector, Hitachi is positioned as a significant player in providing comprehensive solutions for energy management. In the case of Matsuyama Power Station, Hitachi brought its wealth of experience in stabilizing power systems. The company was instrumental in defining project requirements, initial designs, and overall project management.

Hitachi Energy played a crucial role in delivering proven power conversion solutions and overseeing the system's operational testing, while Hitachi Power Solutions facilitated the supply and commissioning of the substation equipment, completing this ambitious project in an integrated manner.

Commitment to Carbon Neutrality

Matsuyama Mikan Energy highlighted the importance of Hitachi’s ongoing support in maintaining the schedule to commence operations by FY2025. The station aims to balance energy storage and discharge effectively alongside the provision of adjustment capabilities while maximizing the use of renewables—all contributing toward achieving the carbon neutrality target by 2050.

Future Prospects

Moving forward, Hitachi Group is committed to offering a full range of services from design to maintenance for grid-connected battery systems, actively supporting Japan's transition towards renewable energy sources as a primary electricity supply. Hitachi Energy anticipates reinforcing its role as a comprehensive provider of energy storage solutions in the growing market.

Hitachi Group is dedicated to ensuring the dual objectives of renewable energy becoming a mainstay power source while guaranteeing stable energy supply, thus reaffirming its commitment toward realizing a carbon-neutral society.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

As a leader in society innovation business (SIB) leveraging IT, OT, and product integration, Hitachi strives to create a harmonious society where environment, happiness, and economic growth coexist. The vast array of services and products span across four sectors, alongside strategic units aimed at innovating growth ventures. With a revenue forecast of approximately JPY 9.78 trillion for FY2024 and employing around 280,000 globally, Hitachi’s mission is to solve societal challenges through value creation from data.

For more information, visit Hitachi's website.