How big is the new 50 MW, 300 MWh battery in Japan's solar installation?

In summary, recent discussions have focused on Tesla batteries and their potential applications in both consumer and utility settings. A news article from Mitsubishi Electric discusses a 50 MW, 300 MWh battery installation in Japan, funded by the government, as evidence of the increasing acceptance of large scale battery storage. The article also highlights issues with grid compatibility and volatility of supply in Japan, as well as the potential for battery systems to stabilize electricity flows during low demand days. The battery system is described as 100m x 140m in size, which may indicate a high power density and potential for replacement in groups as they age.
  • #1
anorlunda
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Recent threads started discussing the Tesla batteries. It forked into consumer and utility applications.

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A//www.mitsubishielectric.co.jp/news/2015/pdf/0622-b.pdf is news of a 50 MW. 300 MWh battery to be installed with a solar installation in Japan. I cite this as evidence that large scale battery storage is on the cusp of acceptance. the article gives interesting details about the rationale.

"The government is financing both projects at a total cost of ¥31.7 billion ($257 million), a government official said.

Power companies have cited the volatility of supply as a reason for refusing to accept new solar power suppliers, effectively putting a brake on efforts to increase use of this renewable power in Japan.

Part of the problem lies in the relatively small size of Japan’s power grids, due to the geography of the archipelago and the lack of compatibility between regional power utility grids.

In Europe, where renewable energy is widely adopted, power grids are connected across the continent enabling surges in electricity generation in one location to be sent elsewhere relatively easily.

During a boom in solar power investment in the two years after Japan’s renewable energy law took effect in July 2012, the southern island of Kyushu saw an especially large number of solar projects due to its relatively high levels of sunshine.

Kyushu Electric suspended making contracts with new projects last September, citing problems with its grid capacity.

The utility will use the new battery system to study how to stabilize electricity flows when solar power generates a large amount of power on a low demand day, a company spokesman said.

Tohoku also enjoyed a solar investment boom because of its large areas of unused land. Tohoku Electric’s research into improved handling of solar electricity will start in February
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An inexplicable part of the technical description of the battery says that it is 100m x 140 m in size. WTF?
 
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  • #2
Yeah, that size sounds a bit on the small side. Did they say how high or deep this system is. Knowing the Japanese, they probably were able to maximize power densities, but I kind of suspect a large array of batteries that are replaced in groups as they age. Speculation only.
 

FAQ: How big is the new 50 MW, 300 MWh battery in Japan's solar installation?

1. What is the purpose of batteries for utility storage?

Batteries for utility storage are used to store excess energy generated by power plants during periods of low demand and discharge that stored energy during times of high demand. This helps to balance the supply and demand of electricity on the grid.

2. How do batteries for utility storage work?

Batteries for utility storage work by converting electrical energy into chemical energy, which is stored in the battery cells. When the stored energy is needed, the batteries release the stored energy back into the grid through the use of inverters.

3. What types of batteries are commonly used for utility storage?

The most commonly used batteries for utility storage are lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, and flow batteries. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, efficiency, and lifespan.

4. What are the benefits of using batteries for utility storage?

Batteries for utility storage offer several benefits, including improved grid stability, increased use of renewable energy sources, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. They can also help to reduce electricity costs and provide backup power during outages.

5. What are the challenges of using batteries for utility storage?

Some of the challenges of using batteries for utility storage include high upfront costs, limited lifespan, and potential environmental impacts. Additionally, integrating large-scale battery systems into existing power grids can be complex and may require upgrades to infrastructure.

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