Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

What Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry does

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI) is a Japanese non-profit research institute founded in 1951 and headquartered in Tokyo's Otemachi district, funded primarily by the country's nine major electric power companies as a shared industry R&D resource. The institute conducts comprehensive research spanning nuclear power, thermal generation, hydropower, renewable energy, power transmission and distribution, consumer energy services, environmental impact, and socio-economic analysis. Its organizational structure includes specialized research divisions (Energy Transformation, Grid Innovation, Sustainable Systems), dedicated centers (Nuclear Risk Research Center, Socio-Economic Research Center, High Power Testing Center, PD Center), and field testing facilities across Yokosuka, Abiko, Komae, Gunma, and Tochigi prefectures.

CRIEPI's core technology portfolio centers on proprietary analysis software and specialized testing services. Key software products include FERMAT (probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis for reactor pressure vessels, compliant with JEAG 4640-2018), XTAP (power grid transient analysis), IBTHA (volcanic ash hazard assessment), RGP (renewable energy GIS evaluation), TRAjiro (trajectory analysis), and ASST (air conditioner selection support). Hardware capabilities include the ISO/IEC 17025 accredited High Power Testing Center for short-circuit equipment testing and the PD Center for partial discharge examination certification. Advanced nuclear technology development includes the 4S (Super Safe, Small and Simple) microreactor design co-developed with Toshiba, featuring passive safety characteristics for remote or small-scale power applications.

CRIEPI's business model operates as a public interest corporation with revenue from membership contributions by nine Japanese electric utilities, government grants for nuclear safety and energy policy research, and paid collaborative research contracts. The primary go-to-market mechanism is the Technical Conference governance structure, which formally coordinates research priorities across utilities, nuclear organizations (Japan Atomic Power Company, JNFL), plant manufacturers (Toshiba, Hitachi GE Vernova, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), and industry associations. Research reports are distributed as free PDF downloads, while software tools (FERMAT, XTAP) are provided at no cost for non-commercial academic and research use, with paid collaborative engagement available for industry-specific needs. Customer concentration is structurally embedded in the membership model, with the nine utility members serving as both funders and primary recipients of research outputs.

Name

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

Legal name

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

Website

https://criepi.denken.or.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI) is a Japanese non-profit research institute founded in 1951, funded by nine major electric utilities to conduct shared industry R&D across nuclear safety, power systems, and high-voltage engineering, serving Japan's electric power sector through proprietary analysis software and accredited testing services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Yokohama

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Membership/Contract Research Funding: Core funding from the nine Japanese electric power companies through membership contributions and collaborative research contracts. CRIEPI operates as a public interest corporation funded by the power industry.
2. Government Grants and Subsidies: Government funding for specific research projects, particularly in nuclear safety and energy policy.
3. Software Tools Distribution: FERMAT and XTAP software provided free of charge for non-commercial academic and research use, with collaborative research services available as paid engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CRIEPI is a non-profit Japanese research corporation that conducts independent R&D for the electric power industry across nuclear, thermal, hydro, renewable, transmission, distribution, and socio-economic domains. It delivers specialized research software tools (FERMAT, XTAP, IBTHA, RGP, TRAjiro, ASST), accredited testing services (High Power Testing Center, PD Center), and dedicated research centers such as the Nuclear Risk Research Center (NRRC) and Socio-Economic Research Center, funded primarily by the nine Japanese electric power companies.

Product overview

CRIEPI is a Japanese electric power research institute offering a portfolio of specialized research software tools, testing services, and a dedicated nuclear risk research center. The core product offerings include FERMAT (probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis for reactor pressure vessels), XTAP (power grid transient analysis), and a suite of other research software (IBTHA, RGP, TRAjiro, ASST). Supporting services include the High Power Testing Center (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited for short-circuit testing) and the PD Center (partial discharge testing and certification). The Nuclear Risk Research Center (NRRC) provides PRA methodology development, risk-informed decision-making support, and risk communication for the nuclear industry. The overall structure is a platform of specialized research tools and services organized by research domain (nuclear, thermal, hydro, renewable, power transmission, consumer services, environment, and socioeconomics).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FERMAT: Fracture mechanics Evaluation of RPV Materials - a probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis program for reactor pressure vessels
• XTAP
• Nuclear Risk Research Center (NRRC)

Products and services

• FERMAT (Fracture mechanics Evaluation of RPV MATerials) Windows-based probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) analysis program that calculates reactor pressure vessel (RPV) failure frequencies in compliance with JEAG 4640-2018. Distributed free of charge with executable files and source code for non-commercial academic and research use. Targeted at nuclear safety researchers, regulators, and utilities performing structural integrity assessment of reactor pressure vessels.
• XTAP (Electric Power Grid Transient Analysis Program) Power grid instantaneous value analysis program for studying electric power transmission and distribution system behavior under transient conditions. Used by utilities and researchers to simulate grid stability and dynamic response.
• CRIEPI Software Portfolio (研究ソフトウェア) Suite of CRIEPI-developed databases, simulation tools, and programs for electric power and energy analysis, including IBTHA (Volcanic Ash Hazard Assessment Tool), RGP (Renewable Energy Introduction GIS Evaluation Tool), TRAjiro (Trajectory Analysis Tool), and ASST (Air Conditioner Selection Support Tool). Distributed via the CRIEPI research portal to utilities, academics, and researchers.
• High Power Testing Center Services ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory conducting short-circuit performance research and testing of power equipment and materials since 1963. Publishes test reports and issues certification certificates for power equipment manufacturers, utilities, and standards bodies.
• PD Center (Partial Discharge Center) Services Authorized qualifying body and examination center for Japan's PD (Partial Discharge) system, conducting PD examinations for ultrasonic testing depth sizing of austenitic stainless steel pipes. Provides certification for nuclear plant component inspection personnel.
• Nuclear Risk Research Center (NRRC) Services Dedicated research center under CRIEPI focused on nuclear power plant safety, developing probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) methods, risk-informed decision making (RIDM), and risk communication for the Japanese nuclear industry. Serves as the central hub for collaborative nuclear risk research with the nine utilities, Japan Atomic Power, JNFL, plant manufacturers, and the Japan Nuclear Safety Institute.

Quantifiable outcome

• Awarded the 82nd Electric Academic Promotion Award by the Japan Institute of Electrical Engineers for ultrahigh-voltage power cable space charge measurement and analysis systems.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Toshiba CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRIEPI co-developed the 4S (Super Safe, Small and Simple) microreactor design with Toshiba Corporation. This advanced fission reactor design features passive safety characteristics and simplified operation for remote or small-scale power generation. The partnership has enabled technology transfer for applications including Zap Energy's utilization of the 4S design.
• Zap EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZap Energy is utilizing CRIEPI's 4S (Super Safe, Small and Simple) fission reactor design, developed in partnership with Toshiba. This demonstrates international technology transfer of CRIEPI-developed nuclear technology.
• Nine Japanese Electric Power CompaniesflagshipOthersThe nine major Japanese electric utility companies constitute CRIEPI's core membership and primary funding source. They participate in Technical Conference structures and collaborate on shared R&D priorities. As member organizations, they jointly fund and direct CRIEPI's research agenda.
• Japan Atomic Power CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of CRIEPI's Technical Conference structure. Collaborates on nuclear power research including safety assessment, reactor technology, and risk analysis for nuclear power generation in Japan.
• Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of CRIEPI's Technical Conference structure. Collaborates on nuclear fuel cycle research, including back-end fuel cycle technologies and nuclear material management.
• Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of CRIEPI's Technical Conference structure. Collaborates on power development research including hydroelectric, thermal, and renewable energy technologies.
• Hitachi GE Vernova Nuclear Energy, Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlant manufacturer member of CRIEPI's Technical Conference. Collaborates on nuclear power equipment research, reactor design evaluation, and manufacturing quality assurance for nuclear facilities.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlant manufacturer member of CRIEPI's Technical Conference. Collaborates on nuclear reactor component development, turbine technology, and heavy machinery research for power generation.
• Federation of Electric Power Companies of JapancoreOthersIndustry association member of CRIEPI's Technical Conference. Coordinates policy positions and research priorities across Japan's electric power sector for the organization.
• Japan Electrical Manufacturers' AssociationminorOthersIndustry association member representing electrical equipment manufacturers. Participates in Technical Conference to align research with manufacturing capabilities and industry standards.
• Japan Nuclear Safety InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNuclear safety organization member of CRIEPI's Technical Conference. Collaborates on nuclear safety research, risk assessment methodologies, and industry safety standards development.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Institute of Applied Energy (IAE): IAE is a Japanese non-profit energy research organization investigating energy technologies and policy. Functions as a peer non-profit research entity addressing similar energy research topics within Japan, with comparable funding model from energy industry stakeholders.
• CESI (KEMA Labs): CESI (parent of KEMA Labs) operates accredited high-power testing laboratories and power systems consulting services — directly comparable to CRIEPI's High Power Testing Center, PD Center, and power systems analysis capabilities. Provides testing, certification, and engineering services to electric utilities globally.
• Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA): JAEA is a Japanese governmental institution conducting comprehensive nuclear energy R&D including safety research, fuel cycle technology, and reactor development. Overlaps directly with CRIEPI's nuclear safety research mandate, though JAEA is government-funded rather than industry-funded.
• Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI): EPRI is the U.S. equivalent of CRIEPI — a non-profit research consortium funded by electric utilities to conduct collaborative R&D across nuclear, grid, renewables, and power systems. Operates an identical industry-funded research institute model with member-driven governance, software tool development, and international technology transfer.
• Korea Electric Power Corporation Research Institute (KEPRI): KEPRI is the in-house R&D arm of Korea Electric Power Corporation, conducting research on nuclear safety, power transmission, and grid integration analogous to CRIEPI's mandate. Functions as a utility-affiliated research institute serving a national electric power sector with similar technical scope.
• SINTEF Energy Research: SINTEF Energy Research is a Norwegian contract research institute performing R&D on hydropower, transmission systems, and power market integration. Operates with a similar multi-stakeholder funding model (utilities, government, EU grants) comparable to CRIEPI's industry consortium structure.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: VTT is a state-owned non-profit research and technology organization conducting applied research in energy systems, nuclear safety, and power engineering. Comparable to CRIEPI as a national-scale multidisciplinary energy research institution serving industry and government.

Emerging players

• TÜV SÜD (Energy & Power): TÜV SÜD provides testing, certification, and advisory services for power generation and transmission equipment, including nuclear safety consulting. Overlaps with CRIEPI's High Power Testing Center and PD Center testing services, though operates as a commercial certification body rather than research institute.

Broad incumbents

• EDF R&D (Électricité de France): EDF R&D is the research division of France's largest electric utility, conducting nuclear, hydro, and grid research at scale. While owned by a single utility rather than an industry consortium, EDF R&D performs analogous nuclear safety, grid integration, and renewable research activities as CRIEPI.
• DNV (Energy Systems): DNV is a global certification and advisory organization providing energy testing, standards development, and power systems advisory services. Comparable to CRIEPI's testing centers and standards development role, though operates as a commercial entity across multiple industries.

Market position

Strengths3 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/CRIEPI_Official
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC9kwT6DGlQZbipTfZiWVB2w
• Facebookfacebook.com/criepi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/criepi

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry