
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.
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. It is an energy supply method that enables many countries to make effective use of domestically available water resources.
Toshiba Group has been engaged in developing technologies for turbines and generators and improving their performance since 1894, when it manufactured a hydroelectric power generator for the first time in Japan. We continue to provide countries around the world with high-efficiency hydroelectric power systems with low environmental impact.
The past several years have seen an increase in the number of largescale repairs of hydroelectric power plants that were constructed at a rapid pace after the 1960's. In order to address the need to upgrade power generation facilities, Toshiba Group is working to not only restore the original capacities and functions of these facilities, but also to develop various types of advanced technologies—e.g. increasing the output capacity of turbine by enhancing the efficiency of runners (rotor blades), improving the functions of control devices using computerized systems, and saving energy for thermal spraying and other maintenance work. We have succeeded in enhancing the efficiency of runners, achieving the world's highest level of power generation efficiency (2% increase in output capacity and a maximum efficiency level of 95% or higher) through development using highly accurate flow analysis and performance tests using model turbine. We are currently working on runner upgrading projects like this in power plants throughout the world. Commercial operation has already started in plants in Australia, Indonesia, South Korea and other countries.
Chuncheon Hydroelectric Power Plant, South Korea