In December 2024, MHI began integrated control of storage batteries attached to condominiums using AI. We aim to enter the market through VPP (Virtual Power Plant, hereinafter referred to as "VPP") with the full-scale operation of the Resource Aggregation System (hereinafter referred to as "RA System"), which has been developed under the "FY2023 Demonstration Project for Further Utilization of Distributed Energy Resources (*)" of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

What is ◾️VPP
VPP is a system that uses IoT technology to integrate distributed energy resources (hereinafter referred to as DER) scattered throughout a region to function virtually as a single power plant, as opposed to energy systems that rely on conventional large-scale power plants (centralized power sources). By remotely controlling solar power generation facilities, storage batteries, and demand facilities, power generation, storage, and consumption are made more efficient and the supply-demand balance is adjusted. This enables optimization of energy use and efficient power supply.

◾️Background on VPP operations
In recent years, as the introduction of renewable energy has expanded, there has been a growing need to ensure the stability of electric power and the flexibility of system operation. VPPs are attracting attention as a promising means of addressing these issues, as they enable the adjustment of electricity supply and demand through the efficient integration and control of DERs, thereby expanding the use of renewable energy and ensuring a stable supply of electricity. VPPs will also make a significant contribution to the promotion of decarbonization that is underway throughout Japan.

As part of its disaster prevention services for condominiums, MHI has been installing storage batteries to ensure the supply of electricity to building facilities in the event of an emergency. We have now completed the development of a proprietary system that enables integrated control and energy management of these storage batteries, and are ready to put it into operation.

◾️ about our proprietary RA system.
MHI has developed RA systems that maximize profits by optimally operating storage batteries attached to condominiums and other customers, combining know-how cultivated in the electric power retail and bulk power receiving businesses with the AI control technology of partner companies.

Features and Functions of the RA System
Charge and discharge control to maximize profits
Our RA system optimizes electricity consumption at consumer facilities by utilizing storage batteries to reduce electricity costs through peak shaving and self-consumption. The system also combines various market transactions, such as the Japan Wholesale Electric Power Market (JEPX), the supply-demand adjustment market, and the capacity market, to automatically create a recharge/discharge control plan that maximizes revenue. Furthermore, based on plans that reflect the results of bidding and successful bids, the system enables highly automated operations that precisely control recharging and discharging while utilizing real-time information.

Advanced Forecasting and Global Optimization
The RA system forecasts the consumption of consumer facilities, the amount of electricity generated by self-consumption solar power, as well as market prices, and performs optimized calculations based on these data. This allows the system to develop optimal charging and discharging plans that maximize profitability and efficiency. This advanced forecasting technology and complex calculation capability leads to more sophisticated energy use.

◾️Future developments
The company plans to further promote the installation of storage batteries to be controlled and increase the amount of electricity handled to function as a VPP, aiming to enter the supply-demand adjustment market and the capacity market. The company will contribute to the stabilization and decarbonization of Japan's energy supply.

*Adoption to the FY2023 Demonstration Project for Further Utilization of Distributed Energy Resources
https://rezil.co.jp/news_release/406/

◾️ related releases
Completed "Demonstration Project for Further Utilization of Distributed Energy Resources
https://rezil.co.jp/news_release/1698/