Tokyo's Tepco Power Grid implemented its first-ever economic curtailment of renewable energy in March 2026, cutting up to 1.84 GW of output due to high solar generation and low weekend demand. As the last region in Japan to experience this, the event marks a significant shift, signaling that solar deployment is now outpacing system flexibility nationwide. Experts warn that curtailment has become a structural issue, highlighting the urgent need for expanded battery storage and stronger inter-regional transmission.

The 2026 SMM (3rd) Global Renewable Metal Industry Chain Summit & Battery Recycling Forum will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from May 11–12, 2026. The summit aims to bring together leading global enterprises, research institutions, industry experts, and policymakers in the fields of renewable metals and battery recycling.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, held a bilateral meeting with Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ryosei Akazawa, on the sidelines of the Indo Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) in Tokyo, Japan, March 15, 2026. A key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in two strategic areas: 1. Critical minerals (focusing on secure, sustainable supply chains for nickel, bauxite, lithium, rare earths, and others essential for batteries, EVs, and green tech). 2. Nuclear energy (covering technology transfer, human resource development, safety standards, regulatory alignment, and potential collaboration on small modular reactors or other advanced nuclear solutions).

Japan installed an estimated 5.8 to 6 GW of solar in 2025, pushing its cumulative capacity past 100 GW. According to RTS Corp, growth was driven by C&I power purchase agreements and new-build rooftop solar mandates in Tokyo and Kawasaki. Installations in 2026 are expected to remain steady, with a potential market rush before FiT/FiP subsidies for >10 kW systems end in FY2027. Long-term, Japan aims for solar to be its largest power source by 2040 (targeting up to 280 GW) and is actively subsidizing perovskite technology to hit a 20 GW target.

Tokyo Steel held a board meeting and approved an investment and renovation plan totaling JPY 10 billion (approximately US$74 million) to transform the existing hot-dip galvanizing line at its Okayama plant into a dual-purpose line for hot-dip galvanizing and continuous annealing. After the renovation, the company's total capacity for cold-rolled and galvanized products will reach 250,000 mt/year, and it is expected to commence production in early 2027.

[SMM Flash News] Tokyo Steel held a board meeting and approved an investment and renovation plan with a total amount of 10 billion yen (approximately $74 million). The plan involves renovating the existing hot-dip galvanizing line at the Okayama plant into a dual-purpose line for both hot-dip galvanizing and continuous annealing. After the renovation, the company's total capacity for cold-rolled and galvanized products will reach 250,000 mt/year, and the line is expected to commence operation in early 2027.