A part of this report was introduced in the May 2025, June 2025, and July 2025 issues of our periodical, “Yano E plus.”

Smart Energy (1)

— Integration of Renewable Energy into Smart Energy Systems

1. Overview of Smart Energy Systems

1.1 Smart Grids
1.2 Distributed Energy Systems
1.3 Energy Storage Technologies
1.4 Digital Control and IoT
1.5 Integration with Renewable Energy
1.6 Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Cost Reduction

2. Integration of Renewable Energy into Smart Energy Systems

2.1 Managing Fluctuating Generation Output
2.2 Complementary Use of Energy Storage and Renewable Energy
2.3 Demand Response (DR) and Peak Shifting
2.4 Power Exchange and Energy Sharing
2.5 Integration with Electric Mobility
2.6 Linkage with Smart Infrastructure

3. Market Size for the Integration of Renewable Energy into Smart Energy Systems

4. Trends in Corporate and Research Institution Initiatives Related to the Integration of Renewable Energy into Smart Energy Systems

4.1 Kanazawa Institute of Technology

• Local Energy Production and Consumption Sharing Model (Thermal and Electric) at Hakusanroku Campus
• DC Power Supply System at Ogigaoka Campus

4.2 Shibaura Institute of Technology

• Agrivoltaics System Proposal
• Forest Management Using LiDAR
• Study on Automatic Air-Conditioning Control Considering Comfort under Power Supply Constraint Conditions

4.3 The University of Tokyo

• Initiatives by Collaborative Research Organization for Comprehensive Energy Sciences
• The 6^th Strategic Energy Plan and Green Transformation (GX) Technology Strategy

4.4 Nagoya University / Gifu University

• Oxy-Biomass Gasification Process Using By-Product Oxygen

4.5 Ritsumeikan University

• Smart Energy Innovation Hub for Daily Life
• Study on Improving Efficiency and Durability of Perovskite Solar Cells

5. Challenges and Future Outlook for the Integration of Renewable Energy into Smart Energy Systems

5.1 Challenges:

1. Unstable generation and forecasting limits
2. Cost and technical constraints of energy storage
3. Development of Smart Grids and Infrastructure Investment
4. Expansion of Demand Response and User Participation Awareness
5. Geographical Imbalance of Renewable Energy Resources and Load on Power Transmission Networks
6. Regulatory and legal issues
7. Cybersecurity risks
8. Waste management and environmental impacts

5.2 Future Outlook:

1. Advanced energy management with AI optimization
2. Deployment of next-generation storage technologies
3. Utilization of distributed energy resources (DER) and virtual power plants (VPP)
4. Advancement of smart grids and utilization of 5G technologies
5. Expansion of hydrogen energy and utilization of power-to-gas (P2G) technologies
6. Practical implementation of superconducting power transmission technologies
7. Expansion of energy sharing and peer－to－peer (P2P) power trading
8. Promotion of carbon neutrality and policy support

Smart Energy (2)

— Efficiency and Forecasting Technologies for Smart Energy Using Digital Technologies

1. Digital Technologies Supporting Smart Energy Design and Forecasting

1-1. Digital Twin
1-2. AI and Machine Learning
1-3. IoT
1-4. Big Data Analytics
1-5. Blockchain Technology
1-6. Cloud Computing
1-7. Edge Computing
1-8. Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
1-9. Smart Meters and Automated Meter Reading (AMR)
1-10. Optimization Algorithms

2. Overview of Energy Design and Forecasting Technologies Using Digital Technologies

2-1. Energy Management Systems (EMS)
2-2. Distribution Management Systems (DMS)
2-3. Demand Forecasting Systems
2-4. Smart Grid Control Systems
2-5. Digital Twin Technologies
2-6. P2P Energy Trading Platforms
2-7. AI-Based Energy Optimization Tools
2-8. Energy Data Analytics Platforms
2-9. IoT Sensor Networks and Smart Meters
2-10. Cloud-Based Energy Management Software

3. Market Size of Smart Energy Design and Forecasting Technologies Using Digital Technologies

4. Trends in Initiatives by Companies and Research Institutions Related to Smart Energy Design and Forecasting Technologies Using Digital Technologies

4-1. The University of Osaka
(1) Energy Management in Communities
(2) Development of Smart Energy Management Systems

4-2. The University of Tokyo
(1) Hydrogen Energy Systems Using Renewable Energy
(2) Development of Hydrogen Supply Chains
(3) Hydrogen Storage Using Metal Hydride Alloys

4-3. Tokyo City University
(1) Sustainable Society and Well-being Integrated Approach Pioneered by Intuitive AI and Explainable AI (xAI)
(2) Trilemma of Energy, Lifestyle and Economy, and Environment, and the Concept of Home-Based Behavioral Principles
(3) Scenario Analysis
(4) Summary

4-4. Tokyo University of Science
(1) Load Frequency Control (LFC) to Maintain Supply-Demand Balance Using Reinforcement Learning
(2) Optimization Control of Energy Consumption in Building Management Systems
(Joint Research with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation)
(3) Proposal of a Decentralized PV Surplus Power Trading System Using Blockchain Technology

4-5. Yokohama National University
(1) Global Energy System Models
(2) Japan’s Energy System Models
(3) Integration of Energy Flow and Mineral Resource Flow
(4) Geographical Evaluation of Renewable Energy Resources
 

5. Challenges and Future Outlook for Smart Energy Design and Forecasting Technologies Using Digital Technologies

5-1. Challenges

(1) Ensuring Accuracy and Consistency of Data
(2) Complexity of Real-Time Data Processing
(3) Ensuring Cybersecurity
(4) High Costs and Complexity of Implementation
(5) Addressing the Variability of Renewable Energy
(6) Ensuring Data Privacy
(7) Interoperability of Energy Systems
(8) Challenges of Long-Term Operation and Maintenance
(9) Shortage of Specialized Human Resources

5-2. Future Outlook

(1) High-Precision Energy Forecasting Using AI
(2) Realization of Virtual Simulation through Digital Twins
(3) Integration with Distributed Energy Resources (DER)
(4) Energy Optimization Using Real-Time Data
(5) Enhancing the Security of Energy Trading through Blockchain
(6) Strengthening Advanced Cybersecurity Measures
(7) Distributed Processing through the Introduction of Edge Computing
(8) Resilient Urban Planning Using Energy Data

Smart Energy (3)

—Design and Management Systems for Distributed and Coordinated Energy

1. What Is a Design and Management System for Distributed and Coordinated Energy?

1-1. Design and Forecasting Technologies for Smart Energy Utilizing Digital Technologies

(1) Objectives
(2) Features
(3) Core Technologies
(4) Main Application Scenarios

1-2. Design and Management Systems for Distributed and Coordinated Energy

(1) Objectives
(2) Features
(3) Core Technologies
(4) Main Application Scenarios

1-3. Major Differences Between the Above Two Systems

(1) Target of Design and Management
(2) Management Structure
(3) Technological Orientation

2. Specific Elements of Design and Management Systems for Distributed and Coordinated Energy

2-1. Distributed Energy Resources (DER)

2-2. Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

2-3. Autonomy and Coordination in Energy Management

2-4. Energy Trading and P2P Networks

2-5. Demand Response (DR)

2-6. Edge Computing and Real-Time Control

3. Market Size of Design and Management Systems for Distributed and Coordinated Energy

4. Trends in Corporate and Research Institute Initiatives Related to Design and Management Systems for Distributed and Coordinated Energy

4-1. Kitami Institute of Technology

(1) Supply and Demand Adjustment Systems for Variable Renewable Energy
(2) High-Efficiency Power Storage and Generation Technology Utilizing Low-Temperature Waste Heat
(3) Followability of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Water Electrolyzers to Variable Renewable Energy
(4) Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation: SOFC Combined System with CCUS, Utilizing Methanation with Stored CO₂ and Green Hydrogen

4-2. Renewable Energy Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

(1) Inertia Issues in Power Systems
(2) Development of Grid-Forming (GFM) Inverter Technology to Address Reduced Inertia
(3) Impact Assessment of Renewable Energy Integration Levels on Grid Stability

4-3. The University of Tokyo

(1) Positioning of Distributed and Coordinated Energy Systems
(2) Expansion and Integration of Social Implementation Fields Accompanying Power Market Decentralization
(3) Design Examples of Distributed and Coordinated Systems
 

4-4. Fukuoka University

(1) Conversion of Electricity into Energy Carriers
(2) Significance of Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis
(3) Ammonia Synthesis from Water and Nitrogen Using an Electrochemical System with Hydrogen Permeation Membranes
 

5. Challenges and Future Prospects of Design and Management Systems for Distributed and Coordinated Energy

5-1. Challenges

(1) Data Management and Security
(2) Interoperability and Standardization of Systems
(3) Real-Time Capability and Control Complexity
(4) Accuracy and Management of Demand Forecasting
(5) Consistency Between Edge Computing and Distributed Processing
(6) Adjustment of Peak Loads and Supply Balance
(7) Energy Trading and Regulatory Development
(8) Infrastructure Development and Initial Costs
(9) Social Acceptance and User Education

5-2. Future Prospects

(1) Improved Forecasting Accuracy Through AI and Machine Learning
(2) Enhanced Transparency in Energy Trading via Blockchain
(3) Advancement of Edge Computing and Real-Time On-Site Control
(4) Advanced Energy System Management Through Digital Twins
(5) Realization of Regional Energy Self-Sufficiency and Carbon Neutrality
(6) Improved Flexibility and Reconfigurability of Energy Infrastructure
(7) Integration with EVs and Spread of V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) Systems
(8) Creation of New Energy Services
(9) Policy and Regulatory Enhancement for System Support