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Distributed energy systems such as solar power photovoltaics (PV) and cogeneration systems (CGS) are expected to play a main role in future energy systems. However, consumers employ these distributed energy systems based on individual decisions rather than topdown installation planning, so even if the expansion of PVand other renewable energy sources is a national energy policy, it remains uncertain how and when PV installation targets will be realized. Furthermore, when consumers extensively deploy distributed energy systems, the power-expansion planning of utilities will be affected by changes in daily load patterns. In this paper, the authors develop a two-stage model focusing on interactions between the energy system adoption behavior of customers and power-expansion planning of a utility. In the first stage, the authors disaggregate Japan’s Kanto region into 38 areas and then develop an optimum energy system model including PVand CGS for consumers. In the second stage, the demand for electric power from the utility is transferred to the power-expansion planning model of the Tokyo Electric Power Company. The authors observe how well the results for PV penetration agree with the cost and the market projection scenarios given by governmental plans. The effects of subsidy scenarios for PVare also evaluated. The authors find that PV penetration will not meet installation targets unless additional PV promotion policies are implemented. The power-expansion model in Stage 2 shows how consumer behavior affects long-term expansion. These findings suggest the need for an integrated energy policy promoting a low-carbon society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing concern about risks related to energy security around the world, the development of hydrogen cooperation between India and Japan has become very important to ensure the economic security of the two countries and to deepen economic cooperation. This study visualizes the costs and economic issues involved in transporting Ammonia from India to Japan and discusses the policy support needed to establish a hydrogen supply chain between the two countries. If Hydrogen production is conducted in Gujarat and Ammonia production is conducted using Haber–Bosch at a large-scale Ammonia plant, the price of Ammonia at the port of Tokyo can be reduced to 572 USD/mt-NH3 if highly competitive renewable energy is utilized. For evaluating the characteristics of Ammonia produced in India, high contribution to greenhouse gas reduction, low transportation risk along transportation routes, and contribution to the diversification of energy procurement in Japan should be evaluated economically, and the following five initiatives will accelerate the composition of a Hydrogen value chain between India and Japan: (1) increasing the Indian governmental support for subsidies for Hydrogen production, (2) increasing financial support to lower capital costs, (3) ensuring a business environment to lower uncertainty about future costs, (4) promoting efforts to visualize the value of carbon credits such as JCM, and (5) visualizing the value of diversification of energy procurement sources for Japan. A graphical abstract is to follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the relationship between renewable energies and the electric power spot price of the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX). By using panel data analysis and proxy modeling, this work attempts to estimate how renewable energies (displayed through the proxies) and other factors influence the electric power spot price in Japan. Based on an analysis of the estimations, some policy implications have been proposed, such as to incorporate weather information into the price forecast, or to provide a guide to more effectively transact on the JEPX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]