Promotion of Use of New Energy

New energies such as photovoltaic power generation, wind power generation, etc. are an environment-friendly energy that will be never exhausted and does not produce any CO2 at the time of power generation. Tohoku EPCo has tried early to introduce new energy in a well-planned manner, while evaluating the impact of new energy on power systems as well as the cost of new energy. The "Law on Special Measures Concerning New Energy Use by Electric Utilities (RPS Law)" was fully enforced in April 2003, under which it is made mandatory for electricity industry utilities to use more than a certain amount of new energy. From now on, therefore, we will also try to use new energy in a well-planned manner in consideration of the purpose of the scheme prescribed by the law.

Purchase of Electricity Generated by Photovoltaic Power and Wind Power

Tappi Wind Park

We are actively promoting the use of new energy such as purchase of electricity generated by large-scale wind power through tenders and that of surplus electricity generated by photovoltaic power. The amount of new energy used in FY2004 breaks down to about 50,000 kW generated by photovoltaic power and about 370,000 kW by wind power, up about nine times and 32 times as much, respectively, from five years ago (results in FY1999). The amount of wind power generated electricity used by Tohoku EPCo accounts for about 40% (the largest in Japan) of Japan's total, making a great contribution to the promotion of new energy use.

To further expand the introduction of new energy, though it is absolutely necessary to resolve various problems, including technical problems (frequency fluctuations of electric power systems due to the introduction of large-scale wind power generation, of which the power variation is large), cost efficiency, etc., we will continue to try to promote new energy use.

Electric Power Purchased from Photovoltaic and Wind Power Generation

The Tohoku Green Power Fund

Tohoku EPCo established the "Tohoku Green Power Fund*" in October 2000. Our Company also gives donations every year to the fund (100 million in FY2004) to promote the wide use of natural energy.

Subsidy Given in FY2004 to:

Mechanism of Tohoku Green Power Fund