In a windy town in Hokkaido, an experiment is about to begin with a battery designed to transform the way electricity is supplied and at the same time boost Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic rescue plan.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is investing ¥20 billion in a Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. device to be used by Hokkaido Electric Power Co. to store excess solar and wind power, stabilizing flows to consumers.
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the government has redoubled work to upgrade power systems and spur exports that can revitalize the economy.