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.

Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) is thrilled to announce that the 2026 (3rd) Global Renewable Metal Industry Summit will be held in Tokyo, Japan, on May 11-12, 2026, to promote industry exchange and cooperation against the backdrop of the global push for sustainable development and resource recycling.

The Japanese government plans to invest 3 trillion yen over the next 15 years to promote the widespread use of hydrogen energy. It is understood that as of November, Japan has a total of 161 hydrogen refueling stations, with approximately one-third of them concentrated in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

[SMM Analysis: Tokyo Utility Companies Incorporate Household Battery Energy Storage into Japan's Electricity Supply and Demand Regulation Portfolio] Two major utility companies in the Japanese capital, Tokyo Electric Power Company and Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., participated in the launch of the household battery energy storage aggregation project.

Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) is delighted to announce that Touchi International Corp has officially joined our 2026 (3rd) Global Renewable Metals Industry Summit to be held in Tokyo, Japan, on May 11-12, 2026, as the Dinner Sponsor.