Top > Press Releases > Back Issues > May 2010 > Establishment of the Study Group on the Scheme for Next-Generation Power Transmission and Distribution Systems and the Study Group on the Smart Meter Scheme
1. Objectives
Under the Conference on the Next-Generation Energy and Social System, the Study Group on Next-Generation Power Transmission and Distribution Networks identified technical challenges for the stabilization of power systems and estimated the cost of such stabilization, with a view to constructing a next-generation power transmission and distribution network that can accommodate the mass introduction of renewable energy. The results were summarized and announced on April 26 this year and reported to the Project Team on Japan’s Feed-in Tariff Scheme” (hereinafter “the FIT Project Team”).
Examinations by the above study group have revealed that the introduction of interactive communications and smart meters to the power system, an idea that has been discussed as part of the smart grid scheme, is closely and inseparably related to measures addressing the power system. This suggests the need for further discussions on institutional aspects of these technologies, including how to build relevant infrastructures and how to share the burdens.
The implementation of the feed-in tariff scheme will require, regardless of the scenario to be chosen, a detailed study of technical issues closely related to schemes established under the Electricity Utilities Industry Act, aside from the decision on the overall policy of the government. These issues include rules for the operation of power systems to meet the wider use of renewable energy, the details of the power transmission and distribution systems needed for power system stabilization, and the scheme for the recovery of feed-in tariff costs.
For these reasons, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has decided to establish two internal study groups under the Conference on the Next-Generation Energy and Social System in order to initiate discussions on the above issues: (1) the Study Group on the Scheme for Next-Generation Power Transmission and Distribution Systems (Chair: Yoshitsugu Kanemoto, professor at the Graduate School of Economics, University of Tokyo), which will be an extension of the Study Group on Next-Generation Power Transmission and Distribution Networks; and (2) the Study Group on the Smart Meter Scheme (Chair: Yasuhiro Hayashi, professor at the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University). The first meeting will be held on May 27 for the former study group and on May 26 for the latter.
2. Discussion structure
The Study Group on the Scheme for Next-Generation Power Transmission and Distribution Systems will conduct necessary discussions on next-generation power transmission and distribution systems and the scheme for the recovery of feed-in tariff costs. While closely coordinating with this study group, the Study Group on the Smart Meter Scheme will discuss a wide variety of issues associated with smart meters, with the participation of gas suppliers, electronic and electrical industry representatives, and communications carriers. The results of the discussions will be reported to the FIT Project Team and the Conference on the Next-Generation Energy and Social System as appropriate.
3.Main agenda
(1) Discussion on next-generation power transmission and distribution systems
(a) Discussion on the details of an institutional framework that incorporates the possibility of controlling the output of photovoltaic power generation
(b) Review of power system-related rules for the wider use of renewable energy
(c) Identification of challenges for the introduction of interactive communications to the power system
(d) Discussion on measures to stabilize the power system in consideration of demonstration projects and advances in technological development
(2) Discussion on the cost recovery scheme under the feed-in tariff scheme
(a) Discussion on the detailed system for the recovery of feed-in tariff costs
(b) Identification of relations between the transfer of feed-in tariff costs and the electricity rate system
(c) Discussion on the rules for the sharing of power system stabilization costs
(3) Discussion on institutional issues associated with smart meters
(a) Identification of the roles of the smart meter and the energy management system utilizing it
(b) Identification of institutional and technical challenges for the execution of the above roles (e.g., ways to provide data)
(c) Steps toward the widespread use of smart meters
Release Date
May 17, 2010
Division in Charge
[Study Group on the Scheme for Next-Generation Power Transmission and Distribution Systems]
Electricity Infrastructure Division, Electricity and Gas Industry Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
[Study Group on the Smart Meter Scheme]
Electricity Market Division
