Trend analyses of the small and medium hydro power development after the FIT scheme introduced in Japan

Abstract

In July 2012, the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme for all renewable energy was introduced in Japan to promote renewable energy generation. Under the FIT scheme, the installation of photovoltaic power increased exponentially as previous studies reported. Although hydropower is one of the most important sources of renewable, clean, and stable energy, few studies analyzed the trend after the FIT started in Japan. The purposes of this study were to clarify the trend of the small and medium hydropower (SMHP) installation under the FITs scheme and examine the effectiveness of FIT to SMHP. Before the FIT scheme started for SMHP in June 2012, total amounts of existing hydropower were 9,600 MW, and the only 100 MW was introduced as new introduction power for eight years. Under the FIT system, there were 140 cases on average certificated every year in the first 4years (2011–2015). On the other hand, after 2016, the number of certifications decreased obviously. The power grid limitation in high voltage connection by power companies might influence this change. We concluded that the present FIT scheme mainly contributed to the renewal or maintenance and power upgrading of existing large hydropower. If the installation pace does not change, the 2030 target will be achieved in 2100. That is because SMHP has various problems that cannot be solved by the FIT system, such as difficulty in estimating suitable sites, construction costs, and consensus-building with residents who generally have the water right.