Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ) has signed an agreement with Matsue City to use the large-capacity storage batteries and EV chargers installed at Matsue DCP as a local power source during disasters. It will test a “mobile storage battery” system in which EVs are driven to evacuation shelters to supply power.
IIJ announced that it has signed an agreement with Matsue City on power supply and other assistance during disasters, and will use the large-capacity storage batteries and EV chargers installed at Matsue Data Center Park (Matsue DCP) as a local power source during disasters.
The storage batteries normally operate as backup power for the data center. In an emergency, stored electricity will be supplied to EVs through fast chargers, and the EVs will be driven to community centers serving as evacuation shelters to supply power.
Matsue DCP will secure approximately 1,000 kWh of electricity for Matsue City. This is said to be equivalent to approximately 2 days of assumed consumption if 2 community centers are used as evacuation shelters. Electricity will be transmitted from the storage batteries to the shelters without dedicated transmission equipment, using EVs as “mobile storage batteries.”
IIJ and Matsue City plan to conduct disaster-preparedness drills based on actual disaster scenarios. They will also examine the possibility of contributing to the stability of the local power supply by helping balance supply and demand during normal operations.