Emerging
Technologies

OUR EXPERTISE

WideRanging
ResearchAreas

Environment
Socio-Economics

Electrification

Hydropower
Generation

Advanced fundamental
technologies in various fieldsof the electricity business:
Highly specialized researchers
Unique research facilities
Accumulated knowledge
Network with domestic andoverseas organizations

Renewable
EnergyElectric Power
Transmission andDistribution
Nuclear Power
Generation
Thermal Power
Generation

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Environment

It is imperative to develop technologies that
supply low-cost and reliable electricity whileinternalizing environmental externalities toachieve a sustainable society. We will contribute tothe development of sustainable energy systems by
examining the role of electricity in climate change
mitigation, developing decarbonization
technologies to achieve circular economy, anddeveloping simulation and monitoring
technologies to ensure harmonious co-existence ofgeneration, transmission & distribution facilities
with the surrounding environment.
Global warming
Environmental assessment
Environmental and health risks

The prediction image of dust dispersion from a coal yard
using a three-dimensional numerical fluid model

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Image: Kurobe Lake Dam In Toyama

To ensure proper maintenance and management of aging
hydroelectric facilities and extend their lifespan andcontinued operation, we are developing technologies tomaintain and monitor these facilities' condition.
Furthermore, the development of preventing hydroelectricfacilities' degradation, sediment management technologies
to help solve sedimentation and muddy water in dams are
currently in progress. We are also developing risk
assessment methods as well as restoration andreinforcement technologies to minimize damage to assets
and technologies to support the speedy recovery ofhydroelectric power facilities in the event of naturaldisasters, such as earthquakes and floods. Through theseefforts, we contribute to the continued use of hydropower,
which is a valuable renewable energy source and has an
essential role in stabilizing electricity supply and demand.

Hydropower
Generation

Operation, maintenance, and disaster prevention athydropower facilities

data logger

Compact PC

variable pitch propeller

laser range finder

tracking camera(Intel/Realsence T265)

DJI/GuidancePrototype drone for unmanned inspection of waterways
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11Renewable
Energy (RE)We are working to improve output estimation
accuracy and forecasting technologies for solar andwind power, which is the key to creating along-term generation model for the electric powersystem. We are also developing technologies tosupport the expansion of geothermal energy as astable renewable energy generation source and theuse of biomass as carbon-neutral fuels. Throughthese green initiatives, we are working to establish
renewable energy as an indispensable power
generation source in the future energy mix.
Expansion of low carbon power generation
Grid-system stabilization while initiating andexpanding renewable energy

PV systems composed of various high-efficiency
PV technologies

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To restart existing Light-Water Reactors (LWRs)
and ensure stable operations of resumption, weare working on quantifying nuclear safety,
including PRA implementation. We are also
researching the appropriate management ofspent nuclear fuel to complete the nuclear fuelcycle. Furthermore, we are working onradioactive waste disposal projects and thedecommissioning of nuclear facilities to ensuresustainable and accountable nuclear power
operations. By consolidating thesetechnologies, we contribute to the realizationof an extremely safe and cost-efficient nuclear
power industry.

Nuclear Power
GenerationUtilization and stable operation of existing Light-WaterReactors (LWRs)
Establishing rational safety measures
Establishing technologies to complete the nuclear fuel cycle
Supporting radioactive waste disposal operations
Supporting decommissioning of nuclear power facilities

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Thermal Power
Generation

We are researching best practices in the operation andmaintenance (O&M) of existing thermal power plants,
and to improve facility performance in response toincreasingly stringent environmental regulations. We
are also developing technologies for the regulationand operation of thermal power plants and tools foranalyzing their dynamic characteristics in response to
the increasing renewable energy penetration into thegrid. Additionally, we are developing new power
generation technologies that reduce environmental
impacts and high-efficiency energy conversion
technologies for low-carbon initiatives to achievezero-emission thermal power generation in the future.

Rational usage of existing thermal power facilities
Responding to increasing introduction of renewable energy
Reducing CO2 emissions

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We are developing technologies to support the rational maintenance,modernization, and O&M of aging power distribution facilities. Growth inrenewable energy capacity and ongoing power sector reforms havenecessitated the development of technology to cope with sudden
fluctuations of these intermittent sources and maintain grid stability by
isolating specific power sources in the power system during a disaster. In
response to natural disasters, we are developing technology to support
disaster mitigation and restoration by designing wind-, snow- andearthquake-resistant power distribution facilities, thus strengthening theirresiliency. As we embark on this journey, we strongly envision a stable and anovel power supply system in the future.

Rationalization of the formation and O&M of facilities
Supporting power system operation

Electric Power
Transmission
andDistribution

Utilization of demand-side assets
Addressing disaster risks and human risks at power transmission and distribution facilities

Height of
about 160cm

Blindfold tohide the wiring
Mock power
distribution
poles(A) Front

Transformerbody(B) Side

Prototype medium-low capacity soft groundingtransformer

Local wind simulation result

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Image: Marunouchi office street

Electrification

To achieve a decarbonized society, we
contribute to the improvement ofperformance and promotion of energyefficient technologies, such as heatpump water heaters, heating systems,
and electric vehicles (EVs). The aim is topromote energy conservation andelectrification leading to customer
benefits in consumer, industrial, andtransportation sectors.
Promoting electrification and increasing
customer satisfaction

A heat exchanger for frost-free heat pumps

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To ensure consistency between thedesign of energy market systems and theStrategic Energy Plan aiming atlarge-scale introduction of renewableenergy sources, CRIEPI analyzes
desirable institutional framework ofpower utility industry, whose results
have been documented in a series ofreports and proposals. Knowing theimportance of nuclear power for carbon
neutrality, we survey international
trends and developments for nuclear
power generation to reflect to Japan’s
policies. Furthermore, we examine andevaluate the diversifying strategies ofelectric power industry from multiple
angles and present opportunities ofnovel value creation.

SocioEconomics

Ensuring consistency of the Electricity System
Reform and energy policies

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EmergingTechnologies

Amid the expanding introduction of renewable energy
and the increasing use of EVs and storage batteries, weare working to build power supply and demand
management technologies to improve energy efficiency
and economy in the overall supply and demandparadigm. Moreover, we are developing innovativetechnologies, such as IoT, AI, big data, and novel sensors,
for the electric power industry and other sectors toprovide highly valuable energy services to electricity
consumers. These technologies will assist theoptimization of supply-demand management and themaintenance of plant equipment and social
infrastructure.
Overall optimization through supply/demand coordination
Development of technologies for applications in various fields

Vibrational energy harvester using an electric
double-layer electret

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