Chubu Electric Power Commences Development of Advanced Flexibility Optimization Technologies for a More Resilient Power System
Nagoya, Japan – July 24, 2025 – Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. (Chuden) today announced the commencement of its participation in a pivotal research and development initiative supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This endeavor, titled “Development of Technologies for Ensuring and Optimizing Flexibility of the Power System for Integrated Cost Reduction of Power Sources (Japan Connect & Manage 2.0) / R&D Item 1: Development of Flexibility Technologies Utilizing DERs,” signifies a crucial step towards addressing contemporary challenges in the electricity sector and establishing a more robust and efficient power grid.
The project, formally initiated on July 24, 2025, at 02:00 JST, is designed to pioneer the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies focused on the optimal utilization of distributed energy resources (DERs) and other flexible assets. The primary objective is to enhance the flexibility of the power system, thereby contributing to the integrated cost reduction of power sources. This aligns with the broader goals of Japan Connect & Manage 2.0, a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing and optimizing the nation’s electricity infrastructure.
The core of Chuden’s involvement in this NEDO-supported project revolves around developing sophisticated technological solutions to tackle emerging supply-demand and grid-related challenges. As the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power continues to accelerate, ensuring grid stability and reliability becomes increasingly complex. These intermittent generation sources, while essential for decarbonization, introduce variability that necessitates advanced management capabilities.
The research and development activities will specifically focus on creating advanced systems and algorithms that can dynamically manage and optimize the flexible resources available within the power system. This includes, but is not limited to, DERs such as rooftop solar panels, energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVs) with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities, and demand-side response (DSR) mechanisms. By effectively coordinating these diverse resources, the project aims to achieve:
- Enhanced Grid Stability: The ability to rapidly adjust the output or consumption of flexible resources will be crucial for counterbalancing the fluctuations in renewable energy generation and maintaining the delicate balance between electricity supply and demand.
- Optimized System Operation: By intelligently leveraging flexibility, Chuden seeks to minimize the need for reserve capacity from traditional fossil fuel power plants, thereby reducing operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improved Integration of Renewables: The project will facilitate the seamless integration of a higher proportion of renewable energy into the grid, accelerating Japan’s transition towards a cleaner energy future.
- Increased Resilience: A more flexible grid is inherently more resilient to unexpected events, such as equipment failures or extreme weather conditions, ensuring a more reliable power supply for consumers.
Chubu Electric Power’s commitment to this ambitious project underscores its dedication to innovation and its proactive approach to navigating the evolving energy landscape. By actively participating in NEDO-led initiatives, the company is contributing to the advancement of technologies that will shape the future of power system operation in Japan and beyond. The successful development and deployment of these flexibility optimization technologies are anticipated to play a vital role in achieving a sustainable, cost-effective, and secure energy supply for all stakeholders.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
中部電力 published ‘NEDO「電源の統合コスト低減に向けた電力システムの柔軟性確保･最適化のための技術開発事業（日本版コネクト&マネージ2.0）/研究開発項目1 DER等を活用したフレキシビリティ技術開発」事業の採択および事業開始について 需給課題･系統課題の解決に向けたフレキシビリティ最適活用技術の開発’ at 2025-07-24 02:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.