Japan Benex Corp and Sumitomo Corp are to launch a ‘Future Plant’ project using rooftop solar panels, Nissan electric vehicles and electric-vehicle batteries to power Japan Benex's headquarters plant in Isahaya, Japan.

The newly developed stationary power storage system combines renewable energy, reused batteries and electric vehicles to promote efficient energy use and environmental sustainability. Nissan will support the project by providing 10 Nissan e-NNV200 electric commercial vehicles.

The vehicles and batteries will help stabilise output from the solar power system and reduce the plant's electricity costs by using stored energy during times of peak demand. The Nissan e-NV200s will be used by employees for commuting or work purposes, and their batteries will eventually be recycled and refabricated as components of the energy storage system.

Japan Benex and Sumitomo Corp. co-developed the system for use in virtual power plants (VPP)1, which are expected to be operating in Japan by 2020. It will help optimise the timing for charging and discharging energy to adjust electricity supply and demand throughout an entire region.

Japan Benex and Sumitomo Corp. have begun field testing power storage systems and electric vehicles as part of their participation in the Kansai VPP project. The Future Plant project will help expand the use of renewable energy, create a system that promotes the reuse of electric-vehicle batteries while optimising energy supply and demand, and ultimately help realise a low-carbon society.