Research and Studies | The Institute of Applied Energy

Main research themes and expertise of the Institute

From a comprehensive engineering perspective, we conduct research and studies in a wide range of energy fields in collaboration with industry, academia, and government.

Activity Area

Surveys and research related to basic energy strategies.etc.
Research on domextic and international trends and evaluation of the future potential of energy technology
Implementation and support of energy technology development

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Research and Studies in a wide range of energy fields

Role
- 1 Survey research, FS (system design and evaluation (economic and technical), development of practical application scenarios), demonstration testing
- 2 Coordination and overall coordination of PJs, (3) Presiding over field-specific study groups (as a platform for searching for seeds and proposing PJs)
Contracted projects from government agencies, independent administrative agencies, private companies, overseas research institutes, etc./Independent research with membership fee income
Establish a consortium with universities, business companies, research institutes, etc. for implementation.

Energy Perspectives

We contribute to society by analyzing various energy fields, including the global environment, renewable electric power systems, carbon recycling, hydrogen, and nuclear power. We also present energy visions by evaluating the relationship between energy and society regarding energy supply and demand, global environment, various resources, and economics.

Global Environment

Research Themes

Analysis of energy supply-demand composition, CO₂ reduction effects, energy system costs, etc. (Mid- and Long-term Vision 2019), based on the IAE model (GRAPE, TIMES-Japan)
Mission Innovation
Support for planning and operation of ICEF subcommittees
Support for the development of international standards (CCS)

Expertise/relevant overseas research institutions

Long-term and integrated analytical evaluation of energy systems using models
IEA, IIASA (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis) International Collaboration on Integrated Assessment Models

Learn more: We evaluate the global and Japanese energy and environment system by presenting long-term integrated assessment results covering scenarios based on our global model, GRAPE, and CO2 mitigation scenarios based on our Japan model, TIMES-Japan. We also research key issues on technological innovations in climate change and their potential contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy system management for a decarbonized society.

Global Environment Group

Renewable Energy and Electric Power System

Research Themes

Study/research on solutions to the massive introduction of renewable energies
Development/demonstration/survey on energy storage technologies (Thermal Energy Storage, Compressed Air Energy Storage)
Business model development for local energy supply
APNet (Advanced Power Network) Study Group (Emeritus Prof. Yokoyama, The University of Tokyo)
Society of (STE) Solar Thermal Energy and Energy Storage (Prof. Kodama, Niigata Univ.)

Expertise/relevant overseas research institutions

Thermal system analysis and evaluation
DLR (German Space Agency)

Learn more: We conduct research on various issues related to the introduction of renewable energies such as solar power and wind power, biomass and waste, solar thermal power generation technology, and power generation technology using thermal storage. In addition, through the Advanced Power Network Group, which is responding to the reform of the digitalized electricity generation system, we are exchanging opinions with related parties and making proposals for technological development. We also conduct surveys and research on VPP construction demonstration projects and the active use of decentralized regional energy systems.

Renewable Energy and Electric Power System Group

Carbon Recycle

Research Themes

Study of energy system combining renewable energy and fossil fuels
FS of CO₂ effective utilization technology
Overseas diffusion of advanced thermal power generation
Study group on ACC (Artificial Carbon Cycle) technology (Prof. Nakagaki, Waseda University)
Study group on solar thermal and thermal storage technology (STE study group)

Expertise/relevant overseas research institutions

Numerical analysis ・Process design ・C1 Chemistry
CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation of Australia)

Learn more: From the perspective of advanced utilization of fossil fuels to achieve a low-carbon society, we study and evaluate clean coal technologies (CCT) such as an integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC), carbon capture and utilization technologies (CCU) that contribute to carbon recycling, and CO₂ to fuel conversion technologies using renewable energy. Furthermore, we exchange opinions on energy systems that actively utilize carbon as a resource with a variety of stakeholders.

Carbon Recycle Group

Hydrogen

Research Themes

Hydrogen as an energy carrier (Analysis of hydrogen demand, analysis 　of economic and environmental performance of various energy carriers)
Hydrogen as a means of energy storage (Hydrogen utilization for effective use of renewable energy, Power to gas)
Individual technological fields supporting hydrogen (Water electrolysis, hydrogen power generation, hydrogen liquefaction)
Zero-emission hydrogen vision study group (Dr. Yamaji, RITE president)

Expertise/relevant overseas research institutions

Scenario analysis and formulation
System cost evaluation from hydrogen production to utilization
SINTEF (Stiftelsen for industriell og teknisk forskning)
IMDEA (Institutos Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados)

Learn more: Since the start of the New Sunshine Project in 1993, we have continuously conducted research and development related to
hydrogen energy.
We mainly conduct research and studies on CO2-free hydrogen energy system dissemination scenarios, technological development of hydrogen supply chain, and hydrogen demand forecasting. Furthermore, the study group disseminates domestic and international hydrogen-related information and exchanges opinions with related organizations.

Hydrogen Energy Group

Nuclear Energy

Research Themes

Contribution to 1F debris analysis (Japan-US cooperation, OECD/NEA)
Support for research and development of SMRs and next-generation reactors
Support for IAEA safety standards, survey of safety systems in other countries
Support for decommissioning of nuclear facilities (proposal of academic codes and standards)
Support for human resource development
Decommissioning Study Committee (Prof. Okamoto, The University of Tokyo)

Expertise/relevant overseas research institutions

Thermal-hydraulic analysis (SAMPSON code, CFD)　　
Safety regulatory systems (IAEA, etc.) 　
Radioactivity inventory assessment
IAEA, NEA, MIT, U.S. DOE-affiliated institutes

Learn more: We conduct research on the contribution of nuclear energy to the energy system, domestic and international safety regulation systems, and trends in research and development of innovative nuclear power systems, as well as the development of elemental technologies effective for improving nuclear safety and safety assessment using analysis codes.
In addition, we are continuously studying issues related to the use of nuclear energy, such as decommissioning, which is expected to become increasingly important in the future.

Nuclear Power Engineering Center(NUPEC)

Analysis tools

IAE uses analysis tools such as GRAPE (global environment analysis system), SAMPSON (analysis code for severe accidents), etc. to conduct its assessments and analyses.