■Overview of verification tests
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Verification tests for the broader introduction of wind power generation
In collaboration with TEPCO Power Grid, HEPCO will run verification tests using the Kitahon HVDC Link connecting Honshu with Hokkaido, with an aim of expanding the wind generation capacity by about 200 MW.
TEPCO Power Grid Wind power HEPCO
Broader Introduction of Renewable Energy Sources
Introduction of renewable energy in Hokkaido
As of the end of FY 2017, the amount of renewable energy interconnected to the Hokkaido network had reached 3,367 MW. In addition, the percentage of renewable energy sources in HEPCO’s electricity was about 25%.*
* The national target for renewable energy is 22%‒24% by FY 2031.
■Composition of HEPCO’s electricity (MWh)
■Interconnected renewable energy in Hokkaido (MW)
FY 2017 actual amount
Coal 49% Oil
25%
Renewable energy
(other than FIT electric power)
18%
FIT electric power 7%
Wholesale transactions of electric power, other
1% Renewable energy sources About 25%
（MW）
69
2,086
25 25
104 289 1,599
199
3,367
1,151 350 1,642
* “FIT electric power” refers to electricity purchased by HEPCO through the FIT scheme.
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500
March 2012 March 2017
Biomass
Geothermal
Hydroelectric
Wind power
Photovoltaic
Utilize the link to adjust power for output fluctuations Purchase
generated electricity
About 1.6 times
● Hokkaido’s electric power system is small in size, and is vulnerable to output fluctuations from renewable energy sources caused by weather conditions. In order to prevent any adverse effects on the quality of power, HEPCO will proceed to verify various technologies and is committed to the broader introduction of renewable energy sources.
● In terms of measures for expanding interconnections, HEPCO is currently involved in verification tests with TEPCO Power Grid for wind power generation using the Kitahon HVDC Link, and in inviting applications for wind power generation through installation of network-side storage batteries.
● Through its efforts for establishing methods of output control and for improving the accuracy of forecasts for the power output of wind power generation and photovoltaic power generation, HEPCO is striving to maximize the use of these forms of power generation while maintaining the quality of power.
● In addition, HEPCO is also actively working on projects for biomass power generation, the development of resources for geothermal power generation, the development of technologies using hydrogen energy, and the effective use of hydroelectric power generation by utilizing untapped water energy and installing high-efficiency equipment.
* The total capacity of renewable energy connected to HEPCO’s grid (excluding isolated islands).
Decommissioning of the Kamiiwamatsu Power Station Unit 1 (20 MW)
Construction of the Shintoku Power Station (23.1 MW) Increase of 3.1 MW
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Demonstration project for large-scale storage battery system
As a participant in the national demonstration project utilizing large-scale storage batteries, HEPCO installed a large-scale storage battery at one of its electrical substations (rated output of 15 MW, rated capacity of 60 MWh). HEPCO has been working on demonstrating the performance of storage batteries and on developing technologies for controlling the charge and discharge of storage batteries, as a new way to adjust power with respect to output fluctuations for wind power and photovoltaic power.
Expansion of wind power generation through installation of network-side storage batteries
To further expand the introduction of wind power generation, HEPCO will install storage batteries within the electric power system. Based on the premise that the costs associated with those installations will be shared with wind power producers, HEPCO will work to expand the introduction of wind power generation.
Redevelopment of small and medium-sized hydroelectric power stations
HEPCO has promoted redevelopment of its superannuated hydroelectric power stations, utilizing existing facilities such as dams and channels wherever possible.
HEPCO will utilize facilities from the decommissioned Kamiiwamatsu Power Station Unit 1 in its Shintoku Power Station. Water that used to be discharged from the dam, such as meltwater after a thaw, will also be used effectively to increase both maximum output (MW) and generated electric energy (MWh).
R&D and demonstration projects on biomass power generation
HEPCO is engaged in joint research and development with Hokkaido University on the generation of power from livestock biomass, a form of energy which has roots in the local community.
HEPCO is also engaged in the demonstration of small-scale woody biomass power generation, with an aim of improving power generation efficiency by generating hydrogen from wood chips.
Estimated capacity of storage batteries Application
period
Amount of wind power to be
accepted
About 90 MW-4h
Phase I First half ofFY 2018 +600 MW*1
About 60 MW-4h*2 Phase II
Depends on evaluation of introduction during Phase I
+400 MW*1
Kamiiwamatsu Power Station Unit 1 (left)
Scheduled start of construction work December 2018
Scheduled start of commercial operation August 2021
Livestock-based biomass power station
Storage battery system 1. HEPCO is also considering installing the network-side storage batteries
gradually in step with the wind power generation becoming linked. 2. HEPCO will evaluate and verify the acceptable capacity, based on the
