Akihabara News (Tokyo) — Tesla has installed a virtual power plant (VPP) on the island of Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture. This set of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries is known as a Powerwall; it is one of many similar projects Tesla has been rolling out across the globe.
Although the project has only just been revealed to the public, Tesla began development last year. Local homeowners received monetary incentives to install Powerwalls connected to rooftop solar panels on their homes. This has evidently been successful, since 300 Powerwalls have already been installed on the island.
As part of the agreement, the local utility, Miyakojima Mirai Energy, can use the solar power generated by the rooftop panels as part of the Tesla VPP. This reduces reliance on the grid by storing excess energy from households and making it readily available when required.
Powerwalls facilitate the use of renewable energy and serve as a backup power source in the case of emergency. Miyakojima will thus have greater grid security and stability.
Tesla intends to expand use of Powerwalls in Japan with a goal of installing 600 by 2023.
Toyota recently unveiled its O-Uchi Kyuden System, which will be a direct competitor in the Japanese market to Powerwalls.
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