Kashiwazaki's VRFB Deployment for Grid Stability and Renewable Integration
Powering Kashiwazaki City's Energy Future
Sumitomo Electric's Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) technology has been deployed as a Long Duration Energy Storage System (LDES) for Kashiwazaki Ideal & Realistic Energy, Inc. (hereafter Kashiwazaki IR Energy), a local Power Producer & Supplier (PPS) in Kashiwazaki, Japan. This project is a key milestone in advancing renewable energy integration and grid stability in Japan, while supporting Kashiwazaki City's "City of Decarbonization" vision. The VRFB system contributes to a sustainable energy ecosystem by enabling peak shaving, optimizing photovoltaic (PV) output, and balancing supply and demand. With its long service life, non-flammable and recyclable electrolyte, and scalability, it exemplifies the economic and environmental benefits of cutting-edge energy storage solutions.
Overview
Sumitomo Electric has successfully deployed an 8MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system in Kashiwazaki City, Japan. This advanced energy storage solution, installed for Kashiwazaki IR Energy, represents a major milestone in Japan's efforts to build a more flexible and sustainable power grid.
The VRFB system enables dual-purpose operations by charging from both photovoltaic (PV) systems and the wholesale energy market while discharging to meet the needs of local customers and trading operations. This flexibility allows the system to effectively balance local energy supply and demand, optimize PV output, and participate in wholesale electricity markets for additional revenue opportunities.
Furthermore, the project aligns with Kashiwazaki City's commitment to becoming a "City of Decarbonization." By facilitating the efficient use and storage of renewable energy, the VRFB system contributes to reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and building a resilient, sustainable local energy ecosystem.
Key Highlights
System Specifications: 8MWh (1MW x 8 hours); Operation Start: October 2024; Location: Kashiwazaki, Japan
Versatile Energy Management: Charges from PV systems and the wholesale market; discharges to local customers and trading operations
Grid Support: Long-duration storage enables extended energy management, grid stability, and renewable integration
Environmental and Economic Benefits: Reduces carbon emissions, facilitates higher renewable energy penetration, and demonstrates cost-effective energy storage solutions
This successful implementation in Kashiwazaki City serves as a model for future energy storage projects, demonstrating the potential of VRFB technology in shaping the future of smart, sustainable, and flexible power systems.
Project Partner
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