Publication date: Oct 11, 2024 Govt Pushes Grid Recharging for FIP Storage Batteries

Govt Pushes Grid Recharging for FIP Storage Batteries

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is introducing further measures to encourage the transition of renewable energy projects from the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) system introduced in 2012 to the Feed-in-Premium (FIP) system. In an expert meeting, METI proposed the expansion of grid charging methods for storage batteries attached to FIP power sources, along with new rules for calculating prices when storage batteries are installed after transitioning from FIT.

With the new plan, storage batteries attached to FIP power sources can be recharged not only from power generation facilities but also from the grid. This should help improve the utilization rate of storage batteries and contribute to ensuring grid supply-demand balance.METI also proposes allowing FIP power sources certified before FY2024 to recharge power generator co-located batteries from the grid. For now, only FIP power sources newly certified since FY2024 are subject to this system.

Revitalizing the Aggregation Business

METI also seeks to revitalize the aggregation business. The role of aggregators who coordinate power supply and demand, and other stakeholders will become important especially for small-scale power sources shifting to FIP. With this in mind, the ministry has a plan to establish a “matching platform” to connect aggregators with FIP businesses.

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