Japan has launched a new subsidy programme designed to support the installation of lithium-ion battery-based stationary storage systems, following in the footsteps of Germany and the United States, a news from Renew Economy stated.

With a budget of $96.72million for the incentive programme, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is set to pay individuals and businesses of up to 70 per cent of the battery storage system's purchase price, according to a report in PV-Tech.

The report also adds that payments for individuals will be capped at $10,000 and at $1million for businesses. Also, battery systems should carry a capacity of 1kWh or more.

As Japan has previously expressed interest in storage technologies, MWTI chose a 10MW solar farm in south-western Japan as a 'model project' where the use of battery storage—mostly from recycled electric vehicle batteries—shall be tested.

The new programme was conceived after Japan faced acute energy problems since the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear accident. It will look at how storage will help in integrating variable renewable energy sources, managing peak supply, and acting as a stabilising force to grid supply.

The government of Japan also intends to know if battery prices will be affected by mass production, as well as if energy self-sufficiency will be met with the utilisation of battery storage.

By: DocMemory
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