Chubu Electric Power's Response to Increases in Installed Renewable Energy Capacity in the Chubu Area

The installed capacity available from renewable energy power generation facilities in the Chubu area has rapidly increased since the Feed-in Tariff scheme (Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) Act) took effect in July 2012. The total connection capacity available from photovoltaic power generation facilities and wind power generation facilities, output of which varies significantly particularly due to natural conditions, is 9.08 GW as of the end of December 2019.

In such circumstances as a strategy to address cases where the supply of electric power exceeds demand, Chubu Electric Power curtails output of thermal power generation facilities and harnesses pumped hydropower generation facilities that are connected to the Chubu area, operates a wide-area grid utilizing regional interconnections, and takes other actions as it strives to maintain a balance between demand and supply in the Chubu area in accordance with the "Priority Dispatching Rule" (Note 1) prescribed by the Japanese government and the Organization for Cross-Regional Coordination of Transmission Operators.

Nevertheless, it is estimated that the installation of renewable power generation facilities will continually increase. Even if such measures are implemented, it will still be necessary to curtail the output of renewable energy power generation facilities and other power systems pursuant to this rule from the standpoint of maintaining a stable supply of electric power when supply exceeds demand.

Taking into consideration that policies have been presented in government councils (Note 2) indicating that construction of a renewable energy control system and other measures should gradually move forward from the standpoint of providing more advanced output control, Chubu Electric Power will initiate consultations, which include thorough explanations, to all relevant groups, power producers, and others.

Chubu Electric Power will continue its efforts to further expand deployment of renewables while, at the same time, making absolutely sure there is a stable supply of electric power.

Note 1: This rule stipulates the conditions and order for controlling output of operating power sources and other supplies in keeping with fluctuations in demand and other changes so that there is a consistent balance between demand and supply.

Note 2: The New and Renewable Energy Subcommittee under the Committee on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy as well as the Systems Working Group of the Electricity and Gas Basic Policy Subcommittee under the Electricity and Gas Industry Committee, all of which are under the auspices of the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy.