Why are battery storage projects growing in Japan?

The ramp up of battery storage projects in Japan continues apace, aided by growing subsidy avenues and rising volumes on various electricity markets, from spot to balancing to capacity.

How is Japan's energy storage landscape changing?

Japan’s energy storage landscape is shifting, pushed by household demand, corporate ESG mandates, and domestic battery manufacturing. The residential lithium-ion market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 33.9% through 2030, remains one of the fastest-expanding segments.

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.

What is Japan's energy storage policy?

As policy, technology, and decarbonization goals converge, Japan is positioning energy storage as a critical link between its climate targets and energy reliability. Japan’s energy storage policy is anchored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which outlined its ambitions in the 6th Strategic Energy Plan, adopted in 2021.

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.

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.