Thermal Power Generation

Toshiba Group is working to develop various technologies designed to achieve zero CO₂ emission thermal power generation. We will also help ensure a stable power supply by supporting the recoveries of earthquake-affected power plants as part of our post-earthquake restoration efforts.

Toshiba's Steam Turbine Power Plant Aiming to Realize Zero CO₂ Emissions during Operation

At present, thermal power generation accounts for approximately 70% of the total amount of electricity produced around the world. However, thermal power generation causes more CO₂ emissions per unit power produced than other power generation methods. In order to reduce CO₂ emissions from thermal power generation, Toshiba Group is developing next-generation thermal power technologies aimed at improving power generation efficiency and putting carbon dioxide capture and storage systems (CCS) to practice, which separate and capture CO₂ emitted from power plants, to be sequestered from the atmosphere by underground storage or other means.

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CCS...Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage

Support for Post-Earthquake Restoration

To support the quick recovery of thermal power plants, substations, switching stations and other power supply facilities affected by the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake as well as to help restart the operation of thermal power plants currently under periodic inspection, Toshiba Group is making our highest priority the dispatching of engineers, the shortening of delivery time for parts and repaired products and the provision of assistance to reopen the thermal power plants now out of service.

In addition, we also cooperated in installing gas turbine power generation facilities to serve as emergency power sources, contributing to the restoration of approximately 10 million kW of electricity for the area covered by the Tokyo and Tohoku Electric Power Companies before the peak period of electricity consumption during the summer of 2011. We will continue our efforts to further increase the supply of power by two million kW for 2012 by restoring earthquake-affected power plants and by constructing new plants.

Towards Practical Application of Carbon Capture Technology

CCS pilot plant (within the Sigma Power Ariake Mikawa Power Plant in Omuta City, Fukuoka)

Toshiba Corp. is working to bring carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technology on board as an effective means of eliminating the CO₂ emitted from thermal power plants. In order to verify the performance and operability of the post-combustion capture solvent system developed by Toshiba under actual thermal power plant conditions, pilot plant has been constructed in September of 2009. We have conducted more than 5000 hours of verification tests to date, continuously improving system performance, as well as gaining insight on how to apply and integrate this technology to actual power plants.

• Toshiba's Technology “Toshiba CO₂ Capture Technology” (Video Content) (A separate window will open.)

• Power Systems Company (A separate window will open.)