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Featured in CSR Report 2007
Note) Contents and Titles as of June 2007
Thermal power generation, which accounts for more than 70% of power supply worldwide, emits CO2 because it uses fossil fuels in the power generation process. In order to reduce CO2 emissions without lowering power output, fuel consumption must be cut down, that is, to enhance power generation efficiency. Toshiba Group pursues two approaches to enhance thermal power generation efficiency.
One is improvement of the component design. For example, turbine blade shapes are optimized based on three-dimensional fluid analysis and performance evaluation using computer models. The other approach is development of next generation power generation systems. Drastic gains in efficiency have been achieved by elevating the temperature of steam and gas used for rotating the turbines. The H System™combined cycle thermal power generation system jointly developed by Toshiba and GE uses 1,500°C class gas turbines instead of conventional1,300°C class. Additionally, we are performing R&D for a new type of high-temperature thermal power generation system employing 700°C class steam turbines instead of conventional 600°C class. Moreover, we have commenced R&D related to technology for recovery and fixation of CO2, which has the potential to greatly contribute to lowering of CO2 emissions.
In 2005 Toshiba established a jointly-invested company for hydroelectric power equipment in China where energy demand is growing rapidly. Among power generation systems using renewable energy, hydroelectric power generation offers the greatest advantage in terms of costs and stability. Systems utilizing high-head are widely used in mountainous Japan. However, in expansive China where rivers tend to flow gently, demand for low-head is large and there are plenty of undeveloped hydropower resources. So, the joint venture focuses on high-efficiency hydro turbines for utilizing low-head, but in the future it also intends to supply equipment for high-head systems in mountainous areas. In March 2007 Toshiba and Tokyo Electric Power Co. jointly received The Japan Machinery Federation President's Award for the pump-turbine runner with splitter blades, which is recognized as excellent energy saving equipment. This runner with newly designed blades contributed to the enhancement of hydroelectric power generation.
Among the existing large-scale power generation systems, nuclear power generation with little CO2 emissions is one of the most effective systems for mitigating climate change. Accordingly, many countries around the world are putting increasing weight in favor of nuclear power generation.
China is currently moving forward vigorously with the construction of several nuclear power plants. In the U.S., where new nuclear power plant construction had previously been suspended, the policy has been changed since 2005 and it's now promoting new construction. In Europe, while France and Finland have maintained policies in favor of nuclear power, other countries are now following the trend. Nuclear power generation is definitely coming back as a favorable candidate in the energy field. The Japanese government designates nuclear power as one of the indispensable sources of stable energy supply in the Framework for Nuclear Energy Policy, based on which it announced the Nuclear Energy National Plan in 2005. To cope with this situation, Toshiba Group is implementing three measures: 1) extending the life of existing plants through maintenance, 2) promoting new construction projects, and 3) international cooperation and globalization of the business. Also, foreseeing future hydrogen economy, Toshiba Group is conducting research into hydrogen production using nuclear power.
Market Trend of New Nuclear Power Plant Construction Projects
Note) COL: Combined Construction and Operating License
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