NTT Group and JERA Cross Announce Japan’s First Biomass-Based Hourly Matching Demonstration

As momentum accelerates in Japan toward the adoption of hourly matching, NTT Anode Energy, JERA Cross, and NTT Docomo on February 12, 2026 announced the completion of a demonstration project delivering 24/7 carbon-free electricity to three telecom facilities located in Aomori, Akita, and Sendai. Conducted from December 2024 through September 2025, the project represents Japan’s first case of hourly matching utilizing biomass generation.

The scheme combines non-FIT solar generation with biomass power to address the intermittency of variable renewable energy. Solar output provides daytime supply with additionality from newly developed assets, while biomass generation offers stable output independent of weather conditions. Electricity supply was managed by NTT Anode Energy, while JERA Cross deployed advanced tracking systems to match hourly generation and consumption profiles.

Hybrid Renewable Design for 24/7 Matching

A key feature of the demonstration lies in the integration of heterogeneous renewable sources into a single time-aligned supply portfolio. Hourly matching was achieved by synchronizing demand data from telecom facilities with generation data from solar and biomass plants.

Visualization on a granular energy platform enabled monthly and hourly analysis of matching performance, showing how renewable supply aligned with consumption patterns. Periods of mismatch were identified, including intervals corresponding to scheduled biomass maintenance outages, during which alternative power sources were used. These results highlight the operational requirement for backup renewable capacity to maintain a 100% hourly matching ratio.

Toward Granular Carbon Accounting and Reporting

The demonstration also reflects a forward-looking approach to evolving greenhouse gas accounting frameworks. By capturing supply-demand alignment at one-hour intervals, the project provides visibility into temporal variations in carbon intensity that are not observable under annual aggregation methods.

This level of granularity is expected to inform future reporting standards aligned with 24/7 carbon-free energy concepts. It further identifies technical and institutional challenges associated with integrating storage systems and demand response mechanisms, contributing to the development of more resilient and flexible energy systems, as indicated by the project stakeholders.

Strategic Implications for Market Development

The results illustrate how combining dispatchable renewable resources such as biomass with variable renewables can enable continuous decarbonized power supply. This model is particularly relevant for infrastructure with stable, round-the-clock demand profiles, including telecommunications and data centers.

For international experts evaluating Japan’s energy transition, the emergence of hourly matching frameworks signals a shift toward high-resolution energy accounting and advanced procurement strategies. Join the dialogue and exchange insights with peers shaping this evolving market.

Source: https://www.jera-cross.com/ja/news/43

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