The Challenge of Renewable Energy: Hokkaido Electric Power – December 2001

The Challenge of Renewable Energy: Hokkaido Electric Power – December 2001 Hokkaido Electric Power has focused on introducing renewable energy and is implementing an energy policy centered on wind power generation. As of 2001, the company set an annual power purchase target of 150,000 kilowatts, deepening its collaboration with local power generators while advancing research and development to ensure the stability of energy supply. Specifically, the company has overcome the challenges posed by the fluctuating nature of wind power by introducing battery storage systems and improving the efficiency of the power grid. Trends in the 2010s In the 2010s, Hokkaido Electric Power expanded its adoption of renewable energy, constructing new wind farms in Tomamae Town and Rumoi City. The annual volume of purchased electricity increased to approximately 500,000 kilowatts. Furthermore, the introduction of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) system encouraged local businesses to enter the market. Additionally, in collaboration with Hitachi, Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., the company conducted demonstration tests on large-capacity storage batteries and power grid efficiency improvements. This significantly reduced barriers to the adoption of wind power. Current Status in the 2020s Entering the 2020s, Hokkaido Electric Power has set a goal of achieving a 40% renewable energy ratio by 2030 and is actively implementing measures to achieve this. Projects such as the Ishikari Bay New Port Wind Farm (with an annual generation capacity of approximately 600,000 kilowatts) and an offshore wind power project in Rumoi City are currently underway. The company is also engaged in research on next-generation energy technologies utilizing ammonia and hydrogen, which has become a key pillar of the energy transition. Regarding CO2 reduction targets, the company aims to reduce emissions by approximately 2 million tons annually, contributing to sustainable development at both the regional and national levels. Supplementary Information from Related Sources - Property Tax Revenue and Job Creation: According to a report by the Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA), Hokkaido accounts for over 30% of Japan’s total installed wind power capacity, generating over 10 billion yen in property tax revenue annually. This has helped stabilize the local economy and create approximately 1,500 jobs. - Renewable Energy Penetration Rate: According to statistics from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Hokkaido’s renewable energy penetration rate stands at 35% (as of 2020), exceeding the national average. This demonstrates that Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc. plays a leading role in the adoption of renewable energy. - Results of Joint Research: According to reports from Hitachi, Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., transmission efficiency improvements and energy storage technologies are supporting the stable supply of wind power. It has been confirmed that these technologies can be applied to other regions as well. Sources - Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc. official website: "Initiatives for Renewable Energy" - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) materials regarding the "Feed-in Tariff (FIT)" system - Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA) “Current Status of Wind Power Generation in Hokkaido” - Joint research presentation materials by Hitachi, Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. - Newspaper article “Progress of the Ishikari Bay New Port Wind Power Generation Project” (2022) - Academic paper “Energy Storage Technologies and the Potential for Renewable Energy Introduction in Hokkaido” (2020)