Why are Japanese companies investing in battery energy storage systems?

Sign up here. That is creating surging interest in battery energy storage systems (BESS) to smooth mismatches in supply and demand. Since December 2023, companies have announced investments of at least $2.6 billion in Japanese battery storage projects, according to calculations by Reuters.

How big is Japan's battery storage capacity?

Rystad forecasts Japan's battery storage capacity could reach about 4 GW based on projects under construction, planned and awarded, which would require $6 billion in investment.

How much battery power does Japan have?

As of March, Japan had 0.23 GW of grid-connected BESS, according to METI. By comparison, China has 75 GW and the U.S. has installed nearly 26 GW of battery storage capacity, according to the Energy Institute.

Why are Japan and Kyushu so attractive for battery projects?

"Tohoku and Kyushu regions have a lot of renewables, which makes these regions very attractive for battery projects, and that's why there is a lot of contracted and considered projects there already," said Uranulzii Batbayar, a Tokyo-based analyst with Rystad Energy.

Why does Japan have a low base of grid-connected Bess?

Japan's low base of grid-connected BESS allows for growth, Batbayar said, with the recent setback to Japan's offshore wind market expansion from Mitsubishi's (8058.T) withdrawal unlikely to hinder development of battery projects. As of March, Japan had 0.23 GW of grid-connected BESS, according to METI.