The Natural Resources and Energy Agency says it is unrealistic to consider unifying the country’s power grid and eliminating the difference between the 50 hertz used in eastern Japan and the 60 hertz in western Japan, citing costs and other factors.
According to a study by the agency, about ¥10 trillion would be needed to replace related facilities and equipment such as power generators and transformers owned by power suppliers if the 60-hertz area is expanded nationwide.
The agency said that factories using private electric generators or motors would need to replace equipment.
“Considering such issues, it is difficult to set the unification of 50 hertz and 60 hertz as a realistic option,” the agency said in a paper presented Wednesday at a meeting of ruling party lawmakers discussing near-term power supply and demand issues.
The government has been looking at ways to enhance the transmission network following the crippling power shortages caused by the disasters of March 11.