METI Sets up Study Group on Future of Japanese Battery System Industry

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced May 28, 2009, the launch of its Strategic Research Group on the Storage Battery System Industry. With the aim of considering the future of the industry, which is expected to become a major Japanese industry sector, the group, consisting of representatives of related ministry departments and outside experts, plans to summarize their discussions by October.

The storage battery is critical as a source of electric power for next-generation vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Additionally, it is essential for leveling and stabilizing the output of energy from sources such as solar and wind power generators.

Japan is already internationally competitive in the field of battery technology. For instance, Japanese companies presently account for about 60 percent of lithium-ion battery and about 70 percent of nickel metal-hydride battery production globally, but international competition is becoming keener as national research and development projects on battery technology are underway in an increasing number of countries.

In order to encourage innovation and expand the use of storage batteries, and also to develop strategies for maintaining and strengthening Japanese competitiveness, the research group plans to explore topics such as future prospects of the market; building technical capacity; improving production efficiency, distribution, and sales; partnerships between businesses; and the role of national policy.

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) official website
http://www.meti.go.jp/english/index.html

Posted: 2009/08/16 06:00:15 AM