Reference 2
21 January, 2000

1. Research & Development

Independent research and development in the field of renewable energy was begun in the 1970s. Since that time, numerous experimental tests have been performed, and several practical applications developed. In addition, the electric power industry has cooperated with government research programs for renewable energy development. A partial list of these efforts is shown below.

• Development of technologies for interconnecting dispersed electric resources at the Rokko Test Center for Advanced Energy Systems.
• Development of control technologies for multiple wind power systems at Hirara City, Miyako-jima.
• Experimental tests of multiple wind generating systems at Tappi Wind Park.

2. New Energy Development Initiatives

In 1991, a "Renewable Energy Introduction Plan for the Electric Power Industry" was independently developed by the industry. Based on this plan, solar and wind generating facilities have been developed for experimental and in-house use.

Growth in Renewable Energy Output Capabilities

(unit: kW)

Year	Solar Power	Wind Power
1989	376	10
1990	434	260
1991	523	1,885
1992	803	1,885
1993	1,301	3,302
1994	1,788	3,909
1995	2,569	5,817
1996	2,845	5,967
1997	3,871	6,583
1998	4,116	12,897

(source: FEPC)

3. Development of Interconnection Guidelines for the Introduction of New Energy Sources to the Existing Power Grid

To facilitate new energy development, the electric power industry cooperated with a review of guidelines for interconnecting new power sources with the existing power grid. The review took into account energy security, power supply stability, results of new energy tests conduct at the Rokko facility and other recent technological developments.

August 1976:	Technical guidelines for power grid interconnection established
October 1995:	Technical specifications for power grid interconnection revised
August 1998:	Technical specifications for interconnecting solar and other DC power generating facilities with the power grid simplified; wind power generating facility measurement standards relaxed

4. Introduction of a Price Menu for Surplus Energy Procurement

In April 1992, the FEPC independently introduced a price menu for the purchase of surplus electricity from new energy and other power sources not linked to the power grid. To encourage the development of new energy sources, the FEPC tied the purchase price for power from such sources to the current selling price. This policy is to remain in effect until new energy sources become commercially viable in their own right.

Growth in Surplus Electricity Procurement

(unit: mkWh)

Year	Solar Power	Wind Power
1992	0.003	0.013
1993	0.02	0.394
1994	0.211	0.211
1995	1.43	1.213
1996	3.693	3.577
1997	8.963	9.043
1998	17.446	23.850

(source: FEPC)

5. Procurement of Wind-Generated Power from Commercial Generating Facilities

With regard to the purchase of wind power from commercial generating facilities, long-term price menus began to be introduced at each electric power company in April 1998. (Contract terms set at 15 and 17 years, at price levels in the ¥11/kWh range.)

6. Support for Independent Research Facilities, and Cooperative and NGO Projects

Beginning in 1997, TEPCO began supporting cooperative and NGO solar power promotion projects, as well as independent research on the commercialization of solar power.