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Featured in CSR Report 2007
Note) Contents and Titles as of June 2007
Maintenance is indispensable not only for extending the life of existing plants to secure a reliable energy supply, but also for ensuring safety. Toshiba Group has developed techniques for assessing the structural and functional soundness of plants, emphasizing preventive maintenance. Full use of cutting edge ultrasonic and laser technology is made for safe inspection of plants and accurate assessment of damage. These highly regarded assessment techniques enable remotely controlled inspection and work in the water and narrow sections of a nuclear reactor, areas where engineers cannot enter. Moreover, maintenance and repair techniques have been developed and commercialized utilizing laser and novel welding technology. By offering these techniques to power companies and by continually improving them, we are resolved to contribute to safe plant operation.
In addition to constructing new plants, Toshiba Group is participating in a development project for a next generation light-water reactor (LWR)Note1 which offers higher safety and greater economic advantages. We are taking the lead in the field of design engineering through development of a system based on the combination of highly reliable safety devices that will enhance safety drastically.
Note1) LWR: A light water reactor, LWR, is a nuclear reactor that uses water as its neutron moderator and for cooling. All nuclear reactors currently in operation in Japan are LWRs.
Westinghouse became a member of Toshiba Group in October 2006, bringing with it a wealth of experience in the field of nuclear power facilities and nuclear fuels. The addition of Westinghouse is expected to unlock tremendous synergy: Toshiba being a leader in boiling water reactor (BWR) technology, and Westinghouse is known for its prowess in pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology. Since BWR and PWR are the two mainstream systems in the nuclear power field, this is a very strong combination. Toshiba has been a major force in the nuclear power business in Japan since 1966. Our long-standing commitment to BWR power generation has been underpinned by major R&D. For example, Toshiba had a leading role in the construction of the world's first advanced BWR plant. Westinghouse has an equally distinguished track record since 1957. Indeed, Westinghouse, which designed the world's first commercial PWR plant, has been at the heart of efforts to improve energy infrastructure around the world. With 34 bases in 14 countries, Westinghouse is engaged in PWR plant construction, maintenance services and fuel fabrication mainly in the US and Europe. By capitalizing on the respective strengths of the two companies, Toshiba Group is in an excellent position to provide comprehensive solutions to meet rising demand for both BWR and PWR systems around the world. By pursuing the best energy mix, Toshiba Group is contributing to reliable energy supplies while helping to curb climate change.
Complementary Relation between Toshiba and Westinghouse
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“As a member of Toshiba Group, we look forward to a long relationship benefiting our numerous stakeholders”
We fully expect that our new status within the Toshiba family of companies will see our already-strong emphasis on CSR become even broader and all encompassing for our more than 9,000 worldwide employees.
For Westinghouse, CSR is a three-track value proposition, encompassing safety, the environment, and communities. In the area of safety, we are pleased to report that Westinghouse surpassed its employee safety goals in fiscal 2007. We have also magnified the emphasis that must be placed on safety by tying the compensation of our most senior personnel to measurable safety awareness and accident prevention.
In terms of the environment, we continue to expand programs aimed at further improving waste reduction and recycling at our office, design, service and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Notably, we are also in the process of finalizing the design of an environmentally friendly Headquarters and Engineering Center of Excellence in the United States. This new site, which will be ready for initial occupation in 2009, will be constructed using numerous environmentally benign procedures and products. Upon completion, the facility will be certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Westinghouse is also proud of its legacy of an ongoing contribution to a wide range of research, educational and social organizations. Currently, our programs are focused on encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and engineering, as we firmly believe that technology can solve many of the problems facing the world today. Because of this belief, we are also proud of our unwavering commitment to commercial nuclear power as a clean, safe, and reliable source of affordable baseload energy for virtually all parts of the globe. Clearly, we are excited about the future as part of Toshiba Group. We look forward to a long relationship that benefits both organizations and the numerous worldwide stakeholders who will also reap the benefits of our mutual success.