Turning Frozen Tuna Into a New Energy-Saving Business

Sep 22, 2025 | News On Japan

SHIZUOKA, Sep 22, 2025 (News On Japan) - Frozen tuna stored at minus 60 degrees Celsius are now being used as a new tool in electricity demand control. By temporarily shutting down refrigeration units and using the fish itself as a cooling agent to maintain storage temperatures, companies are beginning to reduce power consumption.

This initiative is attracting attention for its potential to work in tandem with demand response programs, which are viewed as key to a renewable energy era. Demand response refers to a system in which electricity users adjust their power usage in response to supply conditions, helping balance the grid when renewable sources such as solar and wind fluctuate.

In this trial, frozen tuna act like an ice pack within the storage facility. Even when the refrigeration system is briefly stopped, the interior temperature remains stable thanks to the thermal mass of the fish. By lowering consumption during peak times, operators can effectively sell their “adjustment power” to the market and receive compensation in return.

Industry experts say this model could open the door to a new business opportunity in energy conservation. If implemented on a larger scale, warehouses and food processors storing frozen products could become participants in the power market, not only saving energy but also generating revenue.

Source: 東海テレビ NEWS ONE

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