FEPC to Assess the Possible Impact of Large-Scale Introduction of Photovoltaics on Power Systems

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Shosuke Mori, Chairman of the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC), announced plans to conduct field experiments in order to overcome the technical challenges facing large-scale photovoltaic installation in Japan, at a regular press conference on May 22, 2009. FEPC currently consists of 10 electric utilities in Japan. Aiming to verify the output characteristics of photovoltaic generation systems and its smoothing effect from a broad-based point of view, the federation will apply for a project sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The project aims to promote the large-scale introduction of distributed renewable energy sources and to ensure the stability of power systems. The federation has therefore begun assessing the possible impact on power systems when photovoltaics are introduced on a large scale. (Regarding Japan's government policies on spreading the use of solar power generation, refer to the article on the JFS site mentioned below.)

In the experiment, FEPC plans to install solar radiation recorders and thermometers at about 320 locations throughout Japan and to collect the measured data on the second time scale. At 111 of these locations, the output of photovoltaic systems (output capacity, 1,500 kilowatts in total) will also be measured. Although the output from a single photovoltaic installation fluctuates drastically depending on weather, the combined output from multiple photovoltaic installations is anticipated to fluctuate less, as fluctuations in each installation tend to cancel out one another; this is known as the smoothing effect. The federation aims to analyze the output fluctuations and the large-scale smoothing effect by evaluating collected data and to assess the possible impact on electric power systems on a nationwide basis.

The project will span three years from FY2009 to FY2011. The interim report is scheduled to be issued in the second half of FY2010 and the final report will be issued in the first half of FY2012.

Ministry Recommends that Solar Power Output to Rise 55 Times by 2030 (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/028982.html
Summary of Comments Made at a Press Conference by Shosuke Mori, FEPC Chairman, on May 22, 2009
http://www.fepc.or.jp/english/news/conference/__icsFiles/
afieldfile/2009/05/29/keiken_E_0522.pdf
The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) official website
http://www.fepc.or.jp/english/index.html

Posted: 2009/08/26 06:00:15 AM