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Why are foreign companies piling into battery energy storage in Japan?

(Photo by Shinya Sawai) TOKYO -- Foreign companies are piling into battery energy storage in Japan as they seek to gain an early-mover advantage in a market they expect to grow along with the use of renewable energy.

Why are battery storage systems being installed in Japan?

Several megawatt-hours of residential battery storage systems, typically paired with solar PV, are being installed in Japan on a monthly basis. This is largely due to concerns about losing power at home, given the seismic activity the country is frequently subject to, as well as extreme weather events like typhoons.

Are lithium-ion batteries a threat to Japan's Energy Transition?

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) have long been the dominant choice for energy storage for grid applications. Despite their widespread adoption, LiBs pose several critical challenges that threaten the sustainability and security of Japan’s energy transition.

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.