Pacifico Energy Started Commercial Operation of Japan’s First Market bidding Large Scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in Kyushu and Hokkaido

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pacifico Energy K.K. (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Hiroki Matsuo, President & CEO; hereinafter referred to as "the Company") is delighted to announce the successful commencement of commercial operations for two Energy Storage System (ESS) facilities developed by the Company in Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Sapporo City, Hokkaido (referred to as the "ESS Projects"). These projects, which began operating in June 2023, mark a significant milestone as Japan's first large-scale grid-connected ESS facilities involved in market bidding*.

The ESS facilities have been specifically designed to enhance the stability of the power grid by providing ancillary services, capacity services and energy arbitrage. These projects were chosen by the Ministry of Energy, Trade, and Industry (METI) under the "Subsidy for Grid Storage Battery Installation Support Project for Accelerating the Introduction of Renewable Energy in 2021" initiative.

Pacifico Energy has an impressive cumulative total of 1,172 MW (DC basis) of completed solar power plants to date, establishing itself as the largest renewable energy developer in Japan. As a leader in renewable energy development, the Company established battery storage business department in 2021, and within a span of two years, it had successfully achieved commercial operation of these pioneering ESS plants.

Advancing the integration of ESS facilities into Japan’s power system is crucial for advancing renewable energy (which may fluctuate under the actual weather conditions) as the primary power source in the country. By mitigating the impacts of weather-related fluctuations in renewable energy generation and grid bottle necks, ESS facilities play a vital role in achieving this goal.

Having utilized our global network and knowledge in both renewable energy power sources and ESS facilities, Pacifico Energy remains committed to tackling this challenge by expanding both renewable energy power sources and ESS facilities.

Our ultimate goal is to introduce a reliable and sustainable long-term power source while striving and materializing our future grid parity in the renewable energy sector.

Furthermore, the Company is dedicated to the development and operation of power sources that are deeply integrated into local communities and promote coexistence with them. Its objective is to foster the widespread adoption of safe, clean, and affordable renewable energy solutions.

*Projects that are not co-located with attached to an existing power source and are commercially viable through market trading of ESS services

Project Summary
Name of ESS Plant: Pacifico Energy Itoshima Energy Storage Plant
Location: Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Output: Approx. 8MWh (2MW for 4 h)
Start of construction: September 2022
Commercial operation: June 6, 2023

Name of Energy Storage Plant: Pacific Energy Shiroishi Energy Storage Plant
Location: Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Output: Approx. 8MWh (2MW for 4 h)
Start of construction: September 2022
Commercial operation: June 13, 2023

About Pacifico Energy
Pacifico Energy, founded in 2012, is one of the largest developers of renewable energy in Japan. The company engages in the entire development process – from initial project considerations through to investment, construction and asset management – and has developed 15 solar power projects in Japan with a total output of approximately 1,300MW and 2 ESS Projects.