NGK to Install NAS Battery and Photovoltaic Equipment Systems at Manufacturing Sites in Ishikawa Prefecture ~ Reducing CO2 and Implementing BCP with Largest Battery Energy Storage Facility in Hokuriku Region

NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (hereinafter “NGK”) has decided to install a NAS® battery for energy storage and photovoltaic equipment (hereinafter “PV”) systems at manufacturing sites in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture. NGK will work to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions through captive use of all of the renewable energy that is generated. In addition, the battery energy storage facility will be the largest in the Hokuriku region, and serve as a backup power source in times of emergency or disaster.

NGK will install a large-scale PV system with total capacity of 2,600 kW (2.6 MW) on the building roofs of its Ishikawa Plant and its manufacturing subsidiary NGK CERAMIC DEVICE CO., LTD. (“NGK CERAMIC DEVICE”)’s Ishikawa Plant. The energy generated by the PV systems with projected annual output of 2,690,000 kWh (2,690 MWh) will be used to power manufacturing sites to reduce CO₂emissions. In the first year of introduction, fiscal 2024, an annual CO₂emissions reduction of 1,340 tons is projected.

NGK will also install a NAS battery with rated output of 200 kW and rated capacity of 1,200 kWh (1.2 MWh) on the premises of its Ishikawa Plant. By using it for business continuity planning (BCP) as a backup power source independent from the grid, NGK aims to strengthen its ability to cope with things like power crunches and rolling blackouts due in part to intensifying natural disasters in recent years. Combining the NAS battery with the PV system will enable electricity to be supplied to important equipment at the plant for up to 10 hours when power from the grid is interrupted. Moreover, it will be used as a countermeasure against instantaneous voltage drops caused by lightning strikes and so forth. This will contribute to the stable supply of products by averting problems with equipment, production line shutdowns, and so forth due to instantaneous voltage drops. NGK will quantitatively assess the NAS battery’s effects, including on preventing production losses, by actually using it at a production site, and promote expanded adoption of NAS batteries in Japan and overseas.

Under the NGK Group Environmental Vision established in April 2021, the NGK Group aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 50% compared with fiscal 2013 by fiscal 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. It is working on “expanded use of renewable energy” as one strategy to achieve those targets, including by installing PV systems utilizing NAS batteries at sites within the Group and advancing renewable energy procurement. NGK will strive to reduce its CO₂ emissions through steps such as adopting clean energy to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality.

Overview of renewable energy power generation systems and battery energy storage facility to be installed

Installation sites: NGK’s Ishikawa Plant and NGK CERAMIC DEVICE’s Ishikawa Plant (both in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture)

NAS battery rated output: 200kW

NAS battery rated capacity: 1,200 kWh (1.2 MWh)

Number of NAS batteries to be installed: One container type unit

Total PV panel capacity: 2,600 kW (2.6 MW)

Applications: CO₂ reduction, emergency backup power source, demonstration of entry into the capacity market and balancing market

Start of operation: January 2024 (planned)

Manufacturing sites in Ishikawa Prefecture
(foreground: NGK’s Ishikawa Plant, background: NGK CERAMIC DEVICE’s Ishikawa Plant)

NAS battery for energy storage (container type unit)