Environmental Technology - Summary - May 2004

Environmental Technology - Summary - May 2004

1. competitive analysis of pellet stoves and suggestions for improvement
Pellet stoves are carbon-neutral heating devices that use wood pellets and are expected to help conserve forests. However, they are inferior to air conditioners and fan heaters in terms of convenience and price. Improved operability and safety are key to their widespread use, and consumer-oriented product improvements are required.

Proposal to introduce solar power generation at golf courses
A concept to install industrial solar panels on one hole (approx. 14,000 m2 ) of a disused golf course. Approximately 100 units of 10 kW systems are possible, which can generate 1 GWh per year. To compensate for the high cost, the use of government subsidies and the Green Power Certificate Program were also introduced.

3. List of Subsidy Programs for Introduction of Photovoltaic Power Generation Systems
Organized subsidies and debt guarantee programs offered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), NEDO, etc. Subsidies are available up to 1/2 of the project cost for commercial power generation facilities of 50 kW or more. It is explained that the initial cost can be greatly reduced by utilizing the system.

4: Demonstration test of mixed-burning power generation with woody biomass (Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture)
Hokuriku Electric Power Company is conducting a 15-day test of co-firing woody biomass with coal at its Tsuruga Thermal Power Station. The biomass used is wood chips and bark from sawmills, which are mixed with coal in stages starting at 1% to explore the possibility of reducing CO₂ emissions.

5. electricity sales from wind power generation (Konagai Town, Nagasaki Prefecture)
Three wind turbines in the town generated over 20 million yen in electricity sales in FY 2003. Surplus power is sold to Kyushu Electric Power Co. The town has become a successful example of regional development, with an increase in visits by inspection teams.

6. successful experiment of driving trains with fuel cells
The Railway Research Institute succeeded in a bogie running experiment using four PEFC-type fuel cells (total 30kW). This is the world's first rail drive using fuel cells. Acceleration up to 10 km/h was achieved, and is expected to be applied to future railroad technology.

7. small-scale hydropower generation (Seiwa Village, Kumamoto Prefecture)
A hydroelectric power plant with an output of 100 kW is planned to be constructed using an existing erosion control dam. The power will be supplied to tourist facilities and sold to the public, and the building will also be used as a local educational center.

8. start of Ricoh's chemical substance management certification system
Ricoh introduced its own CMS standard for chemical substance management. The company requires its approximately 130 business partners to obtain certification and strengthens its compliance with the European Chemicals Regulation (REACH). The company will not do business with companies that have not acquired certification.