Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has successfully completed the installation of a large-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system for KASHIWAZAKI IR Energy*1, marking the first such deployment for a municipal electric power company. As part of Kashiwazaki City's efforts to promote renewable energy utilization, the system features a 1 MW x 8 hours capacity that is designed to facilitate efficient use of locally generated renewable energy and support the city's goal of energy self-sufficiency. The system was installed on September 30. Sumitomo Electric has already received a new order for an additional system of equivalent scale, underlining the growing interest in long-duration energy storage solutions.
Kashiwazaki City, historically known and developed as a hub for the oil and nuclear industries, has played a significant role in the Japan’s national energy policies. Looking ahead, the city is now focused on promoting renewable energy and advancing its transition to a "decarbonized city." Sumitomo Electric is supporting the realization of sustainable local communities by leveraging the energy storage and supply capabilities of VRFBs.
The VRFB system installed at Kashiwazaki City’s Natural Environment Purification Center will contribute to the efficient use of local renewable energy sources and a stable supply of electricity, thereby supporting the local production and consumption of energy. This system aligns with Kashiwazaki City's "Regional Energy Vision" and, as key infrastructure for becoming a "decarbonized city," will help promote the use of renewable energy and improve energy security.
Specifically, during peak hours, such as those when solar power generation exceeds local demand, the VRFB system will store excess energy and discharge it during times of higher demand. This helps maximize the use of renewable energy in Kashiwazaki City and contribute to a stable local power supply. Additionally, the 1MW × 8 hours capacity battery will be combined with power trading in the wholesale electricity market, contributing to electric cost reductions.
As a further development of this project, we have received a new order for the installation of a VRFB system of the same scale (1 MW x 8 hours). By installing these VFRBs with a total capacity of 16 MWh and having them operated by Kashiwazaki IR Energy, Sumitomo Electric will contribute to the effective utilization of renewable energy in Kashiwazaki City.
With the completion of this project, Sumitomo Electric's Vanadium Redox Flow Battery systems have reached a total installed capacity of 50 MW and 176 MWh, contributing to energy stability and efficiency across multiple regions both domestically and internationally. We will continue to advance our commitment to LDES (long duration energy storage) solutions, leveraging the VRFB’s key advantages: long lifespan, exceptional safety performance, and environmental sustainability. These efforts align with and support global decarbonization goals while enhancing energy resilience.
*1: KASHIWAZAKI Ideal & Realistic Energy, Inc. is a municipal power company that offers services related to energy supply and energy utilization. It was established with investments from Kashiwazaki City and eight private companies.
