Renewable energy consumption guarantee method, renewable energy trading support system and computer program

Abstract

To facilitate verification of renewable energy consumption.SOLUTION: A platform 141 calculates power consumption of electrical equipment 101, or the like, receives power generation amount data indicating the amount of power generated in a power generator 161 that supplies renewable energy to the electrical equipment 101, or the like, and outputs, when a ratio of the amount of power generated indicated by the received power generation amount with respect to the calculated power consumption is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, data for guaranteeing that the amount of power generated is renewable energy consumption consumed by the electrical equipment 101, or the like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for supporting renewable energy trading, which is a transaction that allows consumers to consume renewable energy purchased from businesses that own renewable energy power generation facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology called a smart grid that uses a smart power strip to measure power consumption in an organization equipped with multiple electrical devices. The smart power strip has a function for measuring the power consumption of the electrical devices connected to the power strip and a function for transmitting the measured power consumption to a specified terminal, making it possible to grasp the power consumption of each customer's electrical devices on the terminal side. Patent Literature 2 also discloses a technology that uses blockchain for renewable energy trading and enables renewable energy trading in real time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-225833 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6863508 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the goals of renewable energy trading is to reduce supply chain emissions. Supply chain emissions refer to greenhouse gas emissions generated by organizational activities throughout a business's entire supply chain, including raw material procurement, manufacturing, logistics, sales, and disposal. Businesses seeking to reduce supply chain emissions must ensure that the electricity used in electrical equipment they sell or lease is supplied and consumed in a specified amount or more from renewable energy generators. However, in an environment where multiple electrical devices are connected to a single power strip or outlet, as with the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to prove that the power of each electrical device is being supplied from a renewable energy generator.

[0005] The main object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables objective verification of renewable energy consumption in energy consuming facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure solves the above problems by providing a method for guaranteeing renewable energy consumption, a trading support system, and a computer program. The method for guaranteeing renewable energy consumption includes measuring the power consumption of an electrical device, receiving power generation data representing the power generation amount of a power generation device that supplies renewable energy to the electrical device, and outputting data guaranteeing that the power generation amount represented by the received power generation data is the renewable energy consumption amount consumed by the electrical device when the power generation amount represented by the received power generation data is equal to or greater than a predetermined percentage of the measured power consumption amount.

[0007] A renewable energy trading support system is characterized by comprising: a measuring means for measuring the power consumption of an electric device; a receiving means for receiving power generation data representing the power generation amount of a power generation device that supplies renewable energy to the electric device; and a guarantee means for outputting data guaranteeing that the power generation amount represented by the received power generation data is the renewable energy consumption amount consumed by the electric device when the power generation amount represented by the received power generation data is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the power consumption measured by the measuring means. This trading support system can be realized by a computer program for operating a computer as a trading support system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to guarantee the accuracy of the measurement results of renewable energy consumption. Therefore, it becomes easy to prove (evidence) the amount of renewable energy consumption. In addition, it becomes possible for manufacturers of electrical equipment, etc. to utilize a certification system for renewable energy consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the effect of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the effect of the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of paying an electricity bill in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transaction support system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a transaction support system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the effect of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] Blockchain server configuration diagram. [Figure 11]Functional block diagram of a blockchain server. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart showing processing steps of a method for guaranteeing renewable energy consumption. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the range of renewable energy to which the present disclosure can be applied and how to handle renewable energy consumption. In this disclosure, renewable energy refers to energy that is always present in nature, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, which are part of the Earth's resources, such as electricity in general, as opposed to fossil energy, which is a finite resource, such as oil, coal, and natural gas. In contrast, fossil energy is referred to as non-renewable energy in this disclosure. Renewable energy is not depleted, is present anywhere, and does not increase greenhouse gas emissions, which is a major difference from non-renewable energy. In the following explanation, for convenience, renewable energy may be abbreviated as "renewable energy" and non-renewable energy as "non-renewable energy."

[0011] Many renewable energy trading sites use measuring devices known as IoT meters or smart meters. IoT meters are a type of measuring device with communication capabilities that transmit data on the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy generators and the amount of electricity consumed by renewable energy consumers via a network. IoT stands for "Internet of Things" and refers to connecting things that were not previously connected to the Internet, and is also called the Internet of Things. IoT meters are installed on each electrical device to be metered, with measures taken to prevent them from being easily removed.

[0012] A smart meter is a master meter installed at the destination of electricity supply by an electric utility (such as an electric power company) to collect electricity charges, regardless of whether the energy source is renewable or non-renewable, and is a type of measuring device with a communication function that transmits data on electricity consumption to the electric utility in real time. Transmission is usually carried out via a network line installed alongside the power line. By using smart meters, electric utilities can grasp the amount of electricity consumption in the area to which they supply electricity and in individual households, etc., in real time.

[0013] In this disclosure, the facility that integrates power generation, transformation, transmission, and distribution is called a power grid. Currently, power generated by renewable energy generators and power generated by non-renewable energy generators coexist and are supplied to the power grid.

[0014] The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is known as one indicator of supply chain emissions. The GHG Protocol uses the concept of "scope." For example, "Scope 1" refers to a company's own direct greenhouse gas emissions, and the resulting emissions are called "Scope 1 emissions." "Scope 2" refers to indirect emissions associated with the use of electricity, heat, and steam supplied by other companies, and the resulting emissions are called "Scope 2 emissions." "Scope 3" refers to indirect emissions other than those falling under "Scope 1" and "Scope 2," and the resulting emissions are called "Scope 3 emissions." According to the GHG Protocol, supply chain emissions are the sum of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions.

[0015] The treatment of supply chain emissions, particularly the accounting method for greenhouse gas emissions, also differs depending on whether electrical equipment, an example of energy-consuming equipment, is sold or leased, as follows: (1) In the case of sold electrical equipment Manufacturers cannot directly control electrical equipment at the customer's premises where it is sold and installed. Therefore, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the electricity consumption of such electrical equipment are considered "Scope 3" under the GHG Protocol. To reduce "Scope 3" greenhouse gas emissions, manufacturers do not need to purchase renewable energy certificates (e.g., Green Power Certificates, Non-Fossil Certificates, etc.), but rather encourage customers to allow a specified percentage of renewable energy supply corresponding to the electricity consumption of the electrical equipment. In other words, it is sufficient for manufacturers to prove that a specified portion of the energy consumed for electrical equipment at the customer's installation location comes from renewable energy.

[0016] (2) When the electrical equipment is a financial lease item A financial lease is a lease that lasts for almost the entire useful life of the leased property or covers almost all of the cost of the leased property. In this type of lease, the lessor treats the GHG Protocol in much the same way as if the electrical equipment were sold, and the greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity consumption of the electrical equipment are treated as "Scope 3" under the GHG Protocol. The lessor may also be the manufacturer itself.

[0017] (3) When electrical equipment is an operating lease property An operating lease is a short-term lease that does not extend beyond the majority of the leased item's useful life or cover the majority of the leased item's cost. For such leases, the scope of the GHG Protocol varies depending on the lessor's relationship with the user of the leased electrical equipment. The lessor may also be the manufacturer itself.

[0018] For example, if control is determined based on operational control, the GHG emissions from the electricity consumption of the leased property would be considered "Scope 3" under the GHG Protocol, since the leased property is located at the customer's premises and the lessor has no direct control over it. On the other hand, if control is determined based on equity share or financial control, the GHG emissions from the electricity consumption of the leased property would be considered "Scope 2" under the GHG Protocol, since the lessor retains ownership of the leased property and enjoys a financial benefit from it. A lessor wishing to reduce its GHG emissions under "Scope 2" would need to obtain the above-mentioned renewable energy certificates in proportion to the electricity consumption of its electrical equipment, even if it does not pay the electricity bill.

[0019] Companies that participate in renewable energy trading are called commercial partners. In this disclosure, companies that become commercial partners (including manufacturers and leasing companies) are referred to as "participants." In this disclosure, companies that do not participate in renewable energy trading are referred to as "non-participants."

[0020] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Renewable energy trading situations vary widely depending on the relationship between demand and supply. This disclosure describes an embodiment of a method for guaranteeing renewable energy consumption that can be implemented in any renewable energy trading situation, and a trading support system suitable for implementing the method.

[0021] First Embodiment 1 is an explanatory diagram of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a P2P (Peer-to-Peer network) trading platform 141 operates as a renewable energy trading support system. The platform 141 will be described in detail later. In Fig. 1, solid lines represent the flow of power, and dotted lines represent the flow of data. Data may be communicated either wired or wirelessly (Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, etc.). The IoT meter 111 and smart meter 121 are usually connected by a power transmission wire. However, if the IoT meter 111 is provided with a power detection sensor and the smart meter 121 is capable of regenerating power, the detection results of the power detection sensor may be transmitted wirelessly to the smart meter 121.

[0022] In Figure 1, a building 1 owned by a customer of an electric utility is equipped with electrical appliances 101-103 manufactured and sold by a participating company 1 and purchased and used by the customer, and electrical appliance 104 manufactured and sold by a non-participating company and purchased and used by the customer. The electrical appliances 101-103 are a type of energy consumption equipment whose power consumption is subject to metering for renewable energy trading. The electrical appliance 104 is equipment unrelated to renewable energy trading.

[0023] An IoT meter 111 is inseparably connected to electrical device 101, and the amount of power consumed by the electrical device is individually measured. Similarly, an IoT meter 112 is inseparably connected to electrical device 102, and an IoT meter 113 is inseparably connected to electrical device 103. Therefore, IoT meters 111 to 113 meet the requirements for "metering instruments" as defined in the guidelines for the specified measurement system established by a public institution. On the other hand, an IoT meter is not connected to electrical device 104, as it is not subject to renewable energy trading.

[0024] The IoT meters 111-113 store the identification information of the IoT meter itself in association with each other as unique IoT meter information. The identification information of the electrical device to which the IoT meter is attached and the identification information of the participating company 1 are stored in the blockchain to match the identification information of the IoT meter. The IoT meters 111-113 are connected to the in-building smart meter 121 mainly by electric wires. On the other hand, the electrical device 104 is directly connected to the in-building smart meter 121. Electric power from the power grid 151 is supplied to the electrical devices 101-104 via the in-building smart meter 121.

[0025] The in-building smart meter 121 is an active meter that is installed near the exit to the power grid, measures the total power consumption of the electrical appliances 101 to 103 as well as the electrical appliance 104 indiscriminately, and stores the measurement results in built-in storage. The measurement results include consumption history such as the amount of power (Wh), time (h), and date (d) consumed throughout the building. The in-building smart meter 121 also stores its own identification information. The in-building smart meter 121 outputs data that includes the above measurement results and its own identification information to the in-building router 131. The IoT meters 111 to 113 store consumption history such as the amount of power (Wh), time (h), and date (d) consumed by each of the connected electrical devices 101, 102, and 103, and output the data to the in-building router 131 at a predetermined timing.

[0026] The in-building router 131 packages the measurement results obtained from the individual IoT meters 111 to 113 and the power consumption data obtained from the in-building smart meter 121 as data representing the power consumption of individual electrical devices and the entire building 1. Then, it outputs the packaged data to the platform 141.

[0027] Next, we will explain the power generation side of the power system 151. A renewable energy generator 161 is connected to the power system 151 via a renewable energy side smart meter 122. A non-renewable energy generator 162 is also connected to the power system 151 via a non-renewable energy side smart meter 123.

[0028] The renewable energy side smart meter 122 measures the amount of power generated by the renewable energy generator 161 and stores the measurement results in built-in storage. The measurement results include the amount of power (Wh), time (h), and date (d) generated by the renewable energy generator 161. The renewable energy side smart meter 122 also stores its identification ID. The renewable energy side smart meter 122 outputs data with the above measurement results and the identification ID added to the renewable energy side router 132. The renewable energy side router 132 outputs the data acquired from the renewable energy side smart meter 122 to the platform 141.

[0029] The non-renewable energy side smart meter 123 measures the amount of power generated by the non-renewable energy generator 162 and stores the measurement results in built-in storage. The measurement results include the amount of power (Wh), time (h), and date (d) generated by the non-renewable energy generator 162. The non-renewable energy side smart meter 123 also stores its identification ID. The non-renewable energy side smart meter 123 outputs data with the above measurement results and the identification ID added to the non-renewable energy side router 133. The non-renewable energy side router 133 outputs the data acquired from the non-renewable energy side smart meter 123 to the platform 141.

[0030] Platform 141 is a trading support system operated by a platform operator, and an information processing device having communication and storage functions reads and executes the server program of the present invention to perform various support processes related to renewable energy trading for customers who use building 1 and participating companies 1.

[0031] For example, the platform 141 sells (issues invoices for) the renewable energy power consumed by the electrical appliances 101 to 103 and the non-renewable energy power consumed by the electrical appliance 104 to customers, and also receives and manages the electricity charges paid by the customers. The sale of renewable energy power and non-renewable energy power is called "electricity mix sales," and the payment of the electricity charges by the customer for that is called "electricity mix payment."

[0032] The platform 141 also acquires the above-mentioned data output from the building router 131, the renewable energy side router 132, and the non-renewable energy side router 133, and performs processing to distinguish and manage the amount of power generated by the renewable energy generator 161 and the amount of renewable energy consumed by the electrical equipment 101 to 103 in the building 1 using the acquired data.

[0033] Multiple blockchains 142 are communicatively connected to the platform 141. The blockchain 142 is a known mechanism in which multiple computer terminals constituting a distributed network cooperate to share specific encrypted data. The platform 141 uses the blockchain 142 as an immutable online ledger.

[0034] That is, the platform 141 performs processing to store, in the blockchain 142, renewable energy trading and data required for renewable energy trading, such as customer-specific information, participant company 1-specific information, metering results of the IoT meters 111-113, and the operating status of the renewable energy generator 161. The customer-specific information, etc., is registered in the platform 141 when signing a contract for electricity usage with an electric utility company or when purchasing the electrical appliances 101-103 to be metered. Other data is acquired as appropriate and stored in the blockchain 142.

[0035] In addition to the above processes, the platform 141 also realizes various other functions. One of these is a matching function. The matching function, for example, attempts to match the power consumption of the electrical appliances 101 to 103 with the power generation amount of the renewable energy generator 161 in real time or at a timing that can be equated with the power consumption amount, to determine whether they match at a predetermined rate or more, and if the matching is possible (if the matching is successful), outputs data that guarantees that the amount of renewable energy consumed by the electrical appliance 101 is the amount of power generated by the renewable energy generator 161 at the above rate. This matching function can be realized, for example, by using a technology called a smart contract.

[0036] The predetermined time used for matching may be a unit of time recognized by an official institution, such as one hour, one day, or one week.

[0037] If the matching is successful, the fact and the underlying data can be associated and stored in the blockchain 142. As described above, the platform 141 uses the blockchain 142 as an immutable online ledger, so if the fact of the successful matching and the underlying data are stored in the blockchain 142, they can be read at any time, and since the matching is reproducible, the matching results and the underlying data stored in the blockchain 142 are recognized as evidentiary. Therefore, they can be used as evidence required for various applications to public institutions.

[0038] Another function of the platform 141 is a missing value interpolation function. In this example, the measurement results of the power consumption of the electrical devices 101 to 103 output from the IoT meters 111 to 113 are transmitted to the platform 141 via the in-building router 131. Therefore, data loss may occur due to the influence of the communication environment, etc. Therefore, the platform 141 periodically or irregularly monitors whether missing values have occurred in the acquired measurement results, and if missing values have occurred, interpolates the missing values by executing a missing value interpolation algorithm such as multiple imputation. This ensures the accuracy of analysis of the power consumption of the electrical devices 101 to 103 and other processing.

[0039] In this embodiment, the IoT meters 111-113 are provided as meters subject to the above-mentioned specified measurement system in an inseparable form integral with the electrical devices 101-103, and information on customers participating in renewable energy trading for the electrical devices 101-103 is stored in the blockchain 142 in association with the identification information of the IoT meters 111-113 and their respective measurement results, making it easy to prove the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of the electrical devices 101-103. Therefore, it becomes possible to act on behalf of the customer in applying for, providing, acquiring, and storing renewable energy certificates for the electrical devices 101-103.

[0040] One of the purposes of obtaining a renewable energy certificate is for the manufacturer or customer of a product that generates greenhouse gases, in this case electrical equipment 101-103, to offset (sometimes called "carbon offset") the amount of electricity consumed by the product in proportion to the product's electricity consumption. An offset is a credit system recognized by the government in which someone else compensates for (for example, makes a financial contribution to) the greenhouse gas emissions that have been unavoidably generated. For convenience, providing or obtaining a renewable energy certificate is sometimes called "renewable energy certification."

[0041] For manufacturers, if greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity consumption of electrical equipment fall under "Scope 2" of the GHG Protocol, they will obtain renewable energy certificates in proportion to the electricity consumption of the electrical equipment.However, if they fall under "Scope 3," they will move away from the renewable energy trading target and will no longer require renewable energy certificates, which may change the degree of financial contribution for manufacturers.

[0042] Furthermore, regardless of whether the appliances fall under "Scope 2" or "Scope 3" of the GHG Protocol, Platform 141 can periodically report to participating companies information on the extent to which each appliance 101-103 is supplied with renewable energy. Such tracking services are also a form of renewable energy trading or renewable energy certification. For participating companies that fall under "Scope 3," such renewable energy trading will be their main service, and in return, the participating companies will make financial contributions to the operation of Platform 141. In such cases, although it will differ depending on the situation, customers will basically obtain renewable energy certificates.

[0043] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing one aspect of renewable energy trading in the first embodiment. Here, an example is shown in which a participating company 1 receives renewable energy certification tracking for each electrical device based on data collected from the electrical device 101, using the function of the platform 141 to act as an agent for applying for a renewable energy certificate.

[0044] Since the electrical equipment 101 is equipment purchased by a customer, its electricity consumption falls under "Scope 3" of the GHG Protocol for Participating Company 1. Therefore, Participating Company 1 receives renewable energy certification tracking for the electrical equipment 101 without obtaining a renewable energy certificate, and also pays a monetary contribution to the platform 141. The monetary contribution in this case (e.g., the amount paid) varies depending on the situation. In some situations, the platform operator can provide a cashback to the customer based on the level of the monetary contribution from Participating Company 1, i.e., the amount of electricity consumed. In this case, the customer enjoys the benefit of receiving a cashback based on the amount of electricity consumed by the electrical equipment 101, and Participating Company 1 enjoys the benefit of being able to track the electrical equipment it has sold and prove its renewable energy supply in order to reduce "Scope 3" emissions.

[0045] Second Embodiment Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, Participant Company 1 in Figure 1 becomes Participant Company 2 in Figure 3, and electrical devices 101, 102, and 103 become Participant Company 2's electrical devices 101a, 102a, and 103a, respectively. Like the first embodiment, electrical device 104 is an electrical device manufactured and sold by a non-participant company and purchased and used by customers. The other elements are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0046] In the first embodiment, Participating Company 1 sells electrical devices 101, 102, and 103 to customers, and the customers retain ownership of these devices. In contrast, in the second embodiment, Participating Company 2 sells electrical devices 101a, 102a, and 103a to the platform operator. Therefore, ownership of electrical devices 101a, 102a, and 103a is retained by the platform operator. The customer enters into a lease contract with the platform operator and uses electrical devices 101a, 102a, and 103a on the condition that they pay a lease fee, but the customer is permitted to install IoT meter 111 in electrical device 101a, IoT meter 112 in electrical device 102a, and IoT meter 113 in electrical device 103a.

[0047] The payment of electricity charges differs from that in the first embodiment. The lease fees for the electrical appliances 101a, 102a, and 103a include the predicted electricity consumption fees for each appliance as a fixed amount. In other words, even if the electrical appliance 101a is used more than expected and its electricity consumption increases, no additional electricity charges will be incurred. Therefore, the customer will enter into a contract with the platform operator to pay to the platform 141, together with the lease fees, an electricity charge based on the total electricity consumption of the building 1 excluding the electrical appliances 101a, 102a, and 103a.

[0048] The effects of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing one aspect of renewable energy certification in the second embodiment. Here, an example is shown in which Participating Company 2 receives renewable energy certification tracking based on data collected from the electrical appliance 101a, thanks to the application agency function of the platform 141. For Participating Company 2, the electrical appliance was sold to the platform operator, and its electricity consumption falls under "Scope 3" of the GHG Protocol. Therefore, Participating Company 2 receives renewable energy certification tracking for the electrical appliance 101a without obtaining a renewable energy certificate, and also pays a monetary contribution to the platform 141. The form of the monetary contribution changes depending on the situation. The platform 141 can provide a cashback to customers according to the monetary contribution from Participating Company 2.

[0049] As a modification of the second embodiment, it is possible to switch to payment based on the amount of power consumption, where the lease fee varies depending on the amount of power consumption. In this way, as the amount of power consumption increases, the lease fee also increases accordingly, which is expected to indirectly promote reductions in power consumption (energy conservation).

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram comparing monthly lease payments in the second embodiment with payments based on power consumption in a modified example. As shown in the figure, the monthly payment amount is determined based on the price of the electrical equipment, service costs such as repairs, predicted power consumption, and the number of months in the lease. For example, the fixed monthly payment amount is determined by dividing the sum of the price of the equipment, service costs such as repairs during the lease period, and predicted power consumption and power unit price (yen / Wh) during the lease period by the number of months in the lease. On the other hand, the power consumption-based payment amount in the modified example is determined based on the price of the equipment, service costs such as repairs, predicted power consumption, and actual power consumption.

[0051] <Third embodiment> FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, Participant Company 1 in FIG. 1 becomes Participant Company 3, and electrical devices 101, 102, and 103 become electrical devices 101b, 102b, and 103b of Participant Company 3, respectively. Electrical devices 101b, 102b, and 103b are all vending machines, and Participant Company 3 is a beverage distributor. The rest of the configuration is the same as in FIG. 1. What differs from the first and second embodiments is that electrical devices 101b and the like are owned by Participant Company 3, not the customer or the platform operator, and that customers enter into lease agreements with Participant Company 3 to use electrical devices 101b, 102b, and 103b and are responsible for the electricity bills.

[0052] Vending machine leasing agreements typically involve no lease fees for the equipment, with customers only paying for the electricity consumed. In exchange for providing space for the machine at their facility, beverage companies pay a commission on sales of that particular vending machine. The beverage companies are responsible for beverage procurement and logistics.

[0053] The effects of the third embodiment will now be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating one aspect of renewable energy trading in the third embodiment. Here, an example is shown in which a participating company 3 receives renewable energy certification tracking based on data collected from an electrical appliance 103b, thanks to the application agency function of the platform 141. As shown in the figure, the platform 141 performs the above-described power mix sales for the electrical appliances 101b-103b that have received renewable energy certification and the electrical appliance 104 that has not received renewable energy certification, and the customer makes a power mix payment for them. As described above, no lease fee is incurred for the electrical appliance 103b. Therefore, the customer pays the platform 141 a fee based on the amount of electricity consumed by the entire building, including the electrical appliances 101b-103b. Commissions on beverage sales are settled directly between the customer and the beverage company.

[0054] The lease contract for the vending machine is a financial lease, so for Participant Company 3, it falls under "Scope 3" of the GHG Protocol. Therefore, if Participant Company 3 receives renewable energy certification tracking for electrical equipment 103b without obtaining a renewable energy certificate, it will pay a monetary contribution to the platform operator. The form of this monetary contribution varies depending on the situation. Platform 141 can provide a cashback to customers according to the monetary contribution (e.g., the amount paid) from Participant Company 3.

[0055] In the third embodiment, electrical appliances 101b, 102b, and 103b may be provided with a design indicating that they have received renewable energy certification. This is expected to increase the purchasing motivation of people who are concerned about environmental issues and improve sales of beverages. In addition, the contract may be made such that the customer can receive profits according to the sales of beverages sold by electrical appliances 101b, 102b, and 103b with the above-mentioned design. Furthermore, if the customer runs a store such as a convenience store, installing electrical appliance 101b with the above-mentioned design in front of the store is expected to attract more customers to the customer's store.

[0056] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, Participant Company 1 in FIG. 1 becomes Participant Company 4, and electrical equipment 101, 102, and 103 become electrical equipment 101c, 102c, and 103c of Participant Company 4, respectively. Electrical equipment 101c, 102c, and 103c are all industrial machinery, and Participant Company 4 is a company that owns the industrial machinery and leases it to customers. The rest of the configuration is the same as in FIG. 1.

[0057] The difference from the first and second embodiments is that the ownership of the electrical equipment 101c etc. belongs to Participating Company 4, not to the customer or the platform operator, and that the customer enters into a lease agreement with Participating Company 4 to use the electrical equipment 101c, 102c, 103c and also pays the electricity charges. The difference from the third embodiment is that the customer pays the lease fee as normal, and the lease contract meets certain conditions, making it an operating lease rather than a financial lease. In other words, the GHG Protocol changes the accounting method for greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity consumption of electrical equipment, so the third embodiment is an example of a financial lease included in "Scope 3," and the fourth embodiment is an example of an operating lease included in "Scope 2."

[0058] The effects of the fourth embodiment will now be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing one aspect of renewable energy trading in the fourth embodiment. Here, an example is shown in which a participating company 4 receives renewable energy certification tracking and a renewable energy certificate based on data collected from an electrical appliance 103c, thanks to the application agency function of the platform 141. As shown in the figure, the platform 141 performs the above-mentioned power mix sale for the electrical appliances 101c to 103c that have received renewable energy certification and the electrical appliance 104 that has not received renewable energy certification, and the customer makes a power mix payment for this. For the electrical appliance 103c, as described above, the customer pays a lease fee to the participating company 4. The customer pays the platform 141 a fee based on the power consumption of the entire power consumption of the customer's building 1, including the power consumption of the electrical appliances 101c to 103c.

[0059] In the fourth embodiment, unlike the third embodiment, the lease contract is accounted for as an operating lease. Therefore, unlike the third embodiment, the greenhouse gas emissions of Participating Company 4 relative to the electricity consumption of the electrical equipment are included in "Scope 2" of the GHG Protocol. To avoid being included in "Scope 3," Participating Company 4 uses equity or financial control as a method of determining control for accounting for greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, if Participating Company 4 attempts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in proportion to the electricity consumption of the electrical equipment, periodic reports on renewable energy trading from Platform 141 are insufficient; it must obtain a renewable energy certificate. After receiving renewable energy certification tracking for electrical equipment 103c and obtaining a renewable energy certificate, Participating Company 4 pays a financial contribution to Platform 141 in proportion to the electricity consumption of the electrical equipment. Platform 141 can provide cash back to customers based on the financial contributions paid by Participating Company 4.

[0060] <Example> Next, an example of a platform 141 that operates as the transaction support system described in the first to fourth embodiments will be described. As shown in the hardware configuration diagram of Fig. 10, the platform 141 can be implemented by cooperation between an information processing device having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, a storage device 53, and an I / O interface 54, and a server program. The CPU 50, ROM 51, RAM 52, storage device 53, and I / O interface 54 are communicably connected via a bus 55.

[0061] An input device 56 and an output device 57 are connected to the I / O interface 54. A communication network such as the Internet or an intranet is connected to the I / O interface 54. A plurality of computer terminals for realizing the blockchain 142, the platform operator's management system, the electric utility's management system, the in-house systems of Participating Companies 1 to 4, the information processing system of the institution that issues renewable energy certificates, the information processing system of the public institution that conducts renewable energy trading, etc. are also connected to the communication network.

[0062] The input device 56 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a USB memory, etc., but the input port of the I / O interface 54 is also an example of the input device 56. The output device 57 is, for example, a display, a printer, a speaker, a USB memory, etc., but the output port of the I / O interface 54 is also an example of the output device 57.

[0063] The storage device 53 is a rewritable storage means such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 53 may be configured to be provided inside the information processing device, or may be an external device connected to the bus 55 via a communication cable. The storage device 53 may also be online storage provided in a cloud on a communication network.

[0064] The CPU 50 executes, for example, a server program stored in the storage device 53, thereby operating the information processing device as a platform for renewable energy trading or for realizing various functions related to renewable energy trading. The renewable energy trading support system described above is an example of an entity that realizes multiple functions. The ROM 51 stores basic control programs that enable the operation of the CPU 50, such as an operating system and a file system. The RAM 52 provides a work area for the CPU 50. The CPU 50 accepts data input from an input device 56 via an I / O interface 54. The CPU 50 also outputs information from an output device 57 via the I / O interface 54. The CPU 50 also enables access (writing and reading) to the storage device 53 via the I / O interface 54.

[0065] 11 is a functional block diagram of the platform 141. The platform 141 has functional blocks of an input unit 61, an output unit 62, a control unit 63, a matching unit 64, an application etc. agent unit 65, a fee calculation unit 66, and a blockchain processing unit 67.

[0066] The input unit 61 functions as an input means for accepting information input through the input device 56, such as instructions from the platform operator's management system, various application proxy requests or instructions from the in-house systems of Participating Companies 1 to 4, invoices or requests from the electricity utility's management system, processing reports from multiple computer terminals that implement the blockchain 142, renewable energy certificates, documentary evidence of renewable energy transactions, and data from the in-building router 131, renewable energy side router 132, and non-renewable energy side router 133. The input information is stored in the storage device 53 under the control of the control unit 63 and is read out as appropriate.

[0067] The output unit 62 functions as an output means for outputting information to be output through the output device 57, such as various information and storage instructions to the blockchain 142, various reports (including renewable energy certificates and renewable energy transactions) to the management terminal of the platform operator and the internal systems of the participating companies 1 to 4, responses to the management system of the electric utility, and various information stored in the storage device 53. In the example of FIG. 11, customer information, generator information, history information, and authentication information (or authentication data) are stored. When outputting information, the output unit 62 saves it as log data (not shown).

[0068] The matching unit 64 functions as a means for ensuring the above-mentioned matching.

[0069] The application etc. agency unit 65, in response to requests from participating companies 1 to 4, acts as an application etc. agency means to apply for, obtain and store renewable energy certificates for electrical equipment 101 to 103 that have been subject to measurement and whose measurement results are known, and to apply for renewable energy trading and receive written documents after the application.

[0070] When the total power consumption of the electrical appliances 101 to 103, 101a to 103a, 101b to 103b, and 101c to 103c that are the subject of metering and the electrical appliance 104 that is not the subject of metering are measured, the fee calculation unit 66 functions as a fee calculation means that calculates the fees that users of the electrical appliances 101 to 103, 101a to 103a, 101b to 103b, and 101c to 103c should pay for the power consumption of the electrical appliances 101 to 103, 101a to 103a, 101b to 103b, and 101c to 103c based on the total power consumption, the power consumption of the electrical appliances 101 to 103, 101a to 103a, 101b to 103b, and 101c to 103c, and the power generation amount of the renewable energy generator 161.

[0071] The electrical appliances to be metered may be sold or leased to users by a business operator certified for renewable energy consumption or by another business operator sold by the certified business operator. In this case, the fee calculation unit 66 also has a function to reduce the electricity bill borne by the user based on the certified renewable energy consumption. The fee calculation unit 66 may calculate the electricity bill in various ways. For example, the fee calculation unit 66 may reduce the electricity bill borne by the user by a fixed amount regardless of the certified renewable energy consumption. This simplifies the fee calculation method and prevents the associated increase in processing volume even if the number of customers or electric power companies increases. Furthermore, if the platform operator decides not to provide cashback to users of renewable energy certified electrical appliances in response to financial contributions from participating companies, or if the contributions are not monetary, the function may not be used.

[0072] The blockchain processing unit 67 functions as a blockchain processing means for storing the power consumption, power generation, and certified renewable energy consumption of the electrical appliances 101-103, 101a-103a, 101b-103b, and 101c-103c to be metered in the blockchain 142. When storing the data, blocks containing hash values that are updated according to the number of renewable energy transactions by the customer are created. The blockchain processing unit 67 may store not only the renewable energy consumption data but also renewable energy transactions involving the platform 141 and evidence information for the renewable energy transactions in the blockchain 142.

[0073] The control unit 63 controls the storage and reading of information in the memory device 53, and also comprehensively controls the timing of startup and execution of the input unit 61, output unit 62, matching unit 64, application etc. agency unit 65, fee calculation unit 66, and blockchain processing unit 67.

[0074] <Method for guaranteeing renewable energy consumption> In supporting renewable energy trading, the trading support system as the platform 141 plays a variety of roles, but what is commonly required in the first to fourth embodiments is data that guarantees the amount of renewable energy consumption. Below, an example of processing steps of a method for guaranteeing the amount of renewable energy consumption will be described with reference to Fig. 12. These processing steps are executed primarily by the control unit 63.

[0075] The control unit 63 measures the power consumption of the electrical appliances 101, etc., that are the metering targets (S101). The control unit 63 also receives power generation amount data representing the amount of power generated by the renewable energy generator 161 for the electrical appliances 101, etc. (S102). The control unit 63 then measures whether the power generation amount represented by the received power generation amount data matches the measured power consumption amount for a predetermined time by at least a predetermined percentage (S103) and determines whether they match by at least a predetermined percentage (S104). If they do not match (S104: N), the control unit 63 terminates the processing. If they match (S104: Y), the control unit 63 outputs data (guarantee data) that guarantees that the power generation amount is the amount of renewable energy consumed by the electrical appliances 101, etc. (S105), and terminates the processing. This guarantee data is based on the fact that its basis information is stored in the blockchain 142, allowing anyone to objectively determine whether or not there is a match at any time. Therefore, the guarantee data can be used as basis information for applying for renewable energy trading, thereby promoting the use of renewable energy trading.

[0076] <Modification> The present disclosure can be implemented in various modifications other than those described above. For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, an example has been described in which an IoT meter 111 or the like is previously and inseparably installed with an electrical appliance 101 or the like that is the metering target for renewable energy trading. However, by subsequently integrating and attaching an IoT meter to an electrical appliance 104 or the like that uses non-renewable energy and that has already been sold, it becomes possible for the electrical appliance 104 or the like to participate in renewable energy trading. Such modifications can be useful when the electrical appliance is a leased item (or may be a rental item) as described in the second and third embodiments.

[0077] In the first to fourth embodiments, examples have been described in which the basis information for renewable energy trading is stored in the blockchain 142, but the present invention can also be implemented by storing the information in other storage means that guarantees uniqueness, such as confidential information storage means provided by public institutions.

[0078] In the first to fourth embodiments, examples have been described in which the contributions made by participating companies 1 to 4 to the platform 141 are monetary contributions, but contributions are not limited to monetary contributions and may be non-monetary, such as service support or technology provision. Even if greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity consumption of electrical equipment fall under "Scope 3" of the GHG Protocol, as in the first to third embodiments, monetary contributions may be set in proportion to the certified amount of electricity for each electrical equipment. In the case of vending machines, as in the fourth embodiment, it is also possible to increase the commission rate on beverage sales.

Claims

1. A method for guaranteeing renewable energy consumption, executed by an information processing device, which measures the power consumption of an electrical device, receives power generation data representing the power generation amount of a power generation device that supplies renewable energy to the electrical device, and, when the power generation amount represented by the received power generation data matches the measured power consumption amount by a predetermined percentage or more, outputs data guaranteeing that the power generation amount is the renewable energy consumption amount consumed by the electrical device.

2. A system realized by an information processing device, a measuring means for measuring the power consumption of the electrical device; receiving means for receiving power generation amount data representing the amount of power generated by a power generation device that supplies renewable energy to the electrical equipment; and a guarantee means for outputting data that guarantees that the amount of power generation represented by the received power generation amount data is the amount of renewable energy consumed by the electrical equipment when the amount of power generation represented by the received power generation amount data matches the amount of power consumption measured by the measuring means by a predetermined percentage or more. Renewable energy trading support system.

3. The metering means is a power meter integrated with the electrical equipment. The transaction support system according to claim 2 .

4. a communication means for communicating with a communication network to which a plurality of computers are connected; The transaction support system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a blockchain processing means for storing the power consumption of the electrical equipment, the power generation amount, and the guaranteed renewable energy consumption amount in a blockchain.

5. The measuring means measures a total power consumption including the power consumption of the electrical device and the power consumption of the non-renewable energy compatible electrical device, The system further comprises a fee calculation means for calculating a fee to be paid by a user of the electrical equipment for the power consumption of the electrical equipment based on the total power consumption, the power consumption of the electrical equipment, and the power generation amount of the power generation device that supplies the renewable energy.

5. A transaction support system according to claim 2, 3 or 4.

6. The electrical equipment is sold or leased to the user by a business operator that has guaranteed the renewable energy consumption amount or another business operator that has sold the electrical equipment to the user, The fee calculation means reduces the electricity fee to be paid by the user in accordance with the guaranteed amount of renewable energy. The transaction support system according to claim 5.

7. The fee calculation means is characterized in that it reduces the electricity fee to be borne by the user by a fixed amount regardless of the guaranteed renewable energy consumption amount, The transaction support system according to claim 6.

8. A computer program for causing the information processing device to operate as a transaction support system described in any one of claims 2 to 7.

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