Toshiba, partners to demo control of multiple storage batteries

Japanese conglomerate Toshiba Corp (TYO:6502) will take part in a trial at home that will support the commercialisation of a service business to control multiple, grouped storage batteries.

Such a business is needed for the creation of fully functioning virtual power plants, the company explained in a statement today.

The construction of virtual power plants that bundle together end-user side resources, such as demand response, renewable energy and storage batteries, is supported by the Japanese government as part of the country's shift to renewables.

Toshiba is partnering on the trial with Tokyo Electric Power Company Energy Partner Inc (TEPCO EP) and the city of Yokohama. The project will see storage battery equipment installed in elementary and junior high schools designated as regional disaster centers in Yokohama. Storage battery group control systems developed by Toshiba will be used by TEPCO EP to adjust power supply (demand response) during normal hours, and by the city of Yokohama to provide power in the event of a disaster or other emergency.

Surplus photovoltaic (PV) power will be used to charge the batteries.

The trial will run to March 31, 2018.

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