Hydroelectric Power Generation

Hydroelectric power generation, which produces electricity without CO₂ emissions by using the gravitational force of falling water, provides clean and renewable energy, the effective utilization of which is being reviewed by countries around the world.

Provide a Stable Supply of Clean Energy

Among power generation systems that use clean and renewable energy without CO₂ emissions, hydroelectric power generation is the most efficient in providing a stable power supply at low power generation costs. Since 1894, when we delivered a generator to the first commercial hydroelectric power plant in Japan, Toshiba Group has delivered approx. 2,000 hydro-electric turbines and generators respectively, with a capacity of 54 GW or more to over 40 countries around the world.

Contribution to Power System Stabilization by World's Top Class Pumped Storage System Technology

Installation of the pump turbine runner for Unit No. 2 at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Kannagawa Power Plant

Pumped storage power generation systems generate power by pumping water at night and by flowing water during the day when power demand peaks. Pumped storage power generation systems that store electricity play an important role in effectively using electricity. Toshiba Group has the world's top class technology and experiences in this area. At present, in addition to the renovation of the Lundington Pumped Storage Power Plant, U.S., which features the world's largest diameter pump turbine runner, we are also engaged in the construction of one of the world's largestcapacity pump turbines, the Kannagawa Power Plant, unit No. 2.

Among the pumped storage power generation systems, adjustablespeed pumped storage systems, which can change the amount of electricity used while pumping by changing rotation speed, can serve to adjust system frequency. For this reason, these systems are attracting widespread attention as more and more renewable energy is introduced by wind and photovoltaic power generation.

As the pioneer that built the world's first versions of this, Toshiba Group is constructing the Kyogoku Power Plant (Japan) with the aim of providing a stable supply of environmentally conscious energy.

Global Business Expansion Based on Wide Technological Development

Installation of a generator rotor for the Shenxigou Power Plant in China

Hydroelectric power generation requires that equipment be designed in accordance with different geological conditions. Toshiba Group is working to develop a wide range of technologies, including developing various types of machines, improving power generation efficiency and output capacity, and increasing product life, in order to provide countries worldwide with hydroelectric power generation systems that can achieve high performance with low environmental impact. In our renovation projects, we have successfully realized efficiency upgrade by adopting a new blade shape for our turbine runners that we developed by using the most advanced fluid analysis technology. In new construction projects in China and emerging countries, large diameter generators have been put into commercial operation, and Toshiba Group is taking an active part in constructing these new facilities as well as renovating existing ones both in Japan and overseas.

Micro-hydroelectric Power Generation Systems

Hydroelectric power generation equipment for sewage treatment plants (Hydro-eKIDS™ type L)

Unlike large-scale hydroelectric power generation, micro-hydroelectric power generation makes effective use of small water resources to generate electricity. Toshiba Group has developed and commercialized Hydro-eKIDS™, a micro-hydroelectric power generation system designed for customers that are not using water for power generation. Unlike conventional hydroelectric power generation systems, Hydro-eKIDS™ does not require large-scale civil engineering or construction and can be used anywhere there are water sources available, including water supply and disposal systems, irrigation canals, wastewater from factories and water discharges from rivers, thereby contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving energy.

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