Toshiba Group Energy Initiatives

To achieve the goals of Environmental Vision 2050, Toshiba Group is promoting initiatives aimed at providing a stable power supply and mitigating climate change through its low-carbon energy technologies.

In order to contribute to mitigating climate change through the use of renewable energy, we are also working to develop and promote various power generation technologies, including photovoltaic, hydroelectric, geothermal and wind power generation technologies.

In the area of photovoltaic power generation, we provide power conditioners (500 kW) which feature one of the best power conversion efficiencies in the world (97.7%) and solar modules optimized to allow for the construction of mega solar systems worldwide. We are simultaneously working to promote photovoltaic power generation through the use of distributed power sources in residential solar photovoltaic power generation systems.

As for hydroelectric and geothermal power generation, based on our experience in developing technologies and delivering products, we will expand the supply of high-efficiency power generation devices to emerging countries, where demand for energy is growing, in order to provide the renewable energy best suited to local communities.

With respect to conventional energy, Toshiba Group is continuing to develop thermal and nuclear power generation technologies. At present, about 80% of the world's energy supply depends on fossil fuels. Thermal power generation, which releases CO₂ during combustion, emits a greater amount of CO₂ than other power generation methods. There is, therefore, a need to strengthen measures to mitigate climate change by using the most advanced technologies. Among fossil fuels, coal has a relatively high reserves-toproduction ratio, and coal-fired thermal power generation is likely to continue to be introduced in many Asian countries for economic reasons as well. Thus, to mitigate climate change, high-efficiency power generation facilities are essential. Toshiba Group aims to develop cutting-edge, ultra-supercritical coal-fired thermal power plants around the world as well as to further increase such plants' power generation efficiency. Meanwhile, in the area of gas-fired thermal power generation, we will promote the installation of combined- cycle power generation facilities, which use state-of-the-art, high-efficiency gas turbines in combination with high-performance steam turbines and generators. In addition, we are also developing technologies aimed at commercializing carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) systems that separate the CO₂ contained in exhaust gases, thereby promoting the development of next-generation thermal power generation technologies across the entire range of power plant facilities.

Nuclear power is a conventional energy source that does not emit CO₂ during power generation. Toshiba Group has been engaged in the construction of 112 nuclear power plants in ten countries around the world. We are currently doing all that we can to stabilize the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in cooperation with Westinghouse, a Toshiba Group company, and other partner companies overseas.

We will focus our efforts on developing both urgent and long-term measures to ensure the safety of existing nuclear power plants while simultaneously promoting the development of next-generation nuclear reactors that will provide greater safety.

Regarding power distribution, including the supply of power from power plants, we are developing smart-grid technologies designed to make effective use of renewable energy and to ensure a stable power supply. In order to provide comprehensive energy solutions, in addition to participating in various verification test projects, we have also established a research building at the Toshiba Fuchu Complex to conduct smart-grid experiments. We will further promote the development of smart-grid technologies and contribute to the realization of future smart communities, which involve water, gas and transportation infrastructure.

Toward a Low-carbon Society

To promote international and domestic development to realize smart grids and smart communities as well as to make technological contributions, industry, government and academia must collaborate to take initiatives no single institution can implement alone, such as the establishment of new standards.

As a member of the Japan Smart Community Alliance*¹ established in April 2010, Toshiba Group will promote various cross-company initiatives aimed at realizing a low-carbon society, including verification test projects for the establishment of basic smart grid technologies*², participation in the HEMS Alliance*³ and smart community verification test projects in countries around the world and collaborative research and development with Tsinghua University in China on energy and environmental technologies.

*1

A government-industry joint council established in April 2010 with the participation of various companies from relevant industries, including the electricity, electronics, and automobile industries supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Japan and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). (Norio Sasaki, President of Toshiba Corporation, was appointed as the first chairperson.)

*2

The Next-generation Power Distribution Network Optimum Control Technology Verification Test Project was conducted with the participation of 28 institutions, including the University of Tokyo.

*3

A joint council aimed at establishing a market for HEMS (Home Energy Management Systems) and promoting their use to realize efficient home energy utilization.

• Japan Smart Community Alliance (A separate window will open.)