Development of thermal power technologies based on the use of coal and LNG (liquid natural gas) as fuel has continued to advance. By using a small amount of energy to generate as much power as possible, NEDO has been trying to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted, which is considered to be of the main problems with thermal power generation. This article covers next-generation thermal power generation technologies NEDO is aiming to develop.
Q: Is Coal-fired Thermal Power Necessary?
A: Yes, it is. Because coal is the power source responsible for the stable power supply!
Thermal Power Generation is Essential for a Stable Power Supply
Thermal power generation is a method of generating power by converting energy obtained from burning fuel into kinetic energy through the use of a turbine, which is then used to produce electrical energy by driving a generator.
Because thermal power generation utilizes so-called fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, and oil as fuel sources, there are many who say we should not use thermal power because it releases the greenhouse gas CO2. Especially after the adoption of the Paris Agreement at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) last December, the interests of each country on the discussions regarding energy policies and countermeasures against global warming have been increased all around the world. In Japan, scrutiny of the whole concept of thermal power has increased as well.
“First of all, Japan depends on imports for almost all the energy sources we use so we need to maintain a condition where we have various power generation methods available to maintain a stable energy supply. Thermal power using fuels such as coals takes one of these roles. Although we expect to increase the usage of renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy in the future, thermal power is still important as a back-up power source to these energy sources since their power generation depends on the weather conditions,” Nobuyuki Zaima, Director General of NEDO’s Environment Department, explains with regards to the role of thermal power.
As for the future of thermal power, which currently is the core of power generation in Japan, “Long-Term Energy Supply and Demand Outlook”, determined by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in July 2015, says that coals, LNG and petroleum account for 88% of the total thermal power source in FY 2013, but the goal is to reduce the energy composition of these three sources to 56% by FY 2030. Based on this, it aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 26% in FY 2030 compare to FY 2013.
Mr. Zaima also says that coal-based thermal power is still a very important power source throughout the world because of the low cost.
“There are many countries that have coal as one of their natural resources, including countries in Africa as well as Central and South America which are in the middle of the economic development. To solve the problem of power shortages associated with economic development, it is important to use the energy resources available in your own country. Because of these reasons demand for thermal power is still high in the world.”
According to the forecast produced by international energy organizations, it is expected that demand for thermal power increase further, especially in the emerging countries.
Innovative Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation Technology, The Key to Economic Development and Countermeasures against Climate Change
Given what we’ve discussed, METI released the final report on the Technology Roadmap for Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation at the end of June 2016 to present guidelines on the use of thermal power effectively for energy while reducing the CO2 emission. Even after FY 2030, innovative technology development on thermal power will be the key to accomplishing both economic development and developing a countermeasure against climate change, and NEDO acts as a catalyst for technology development.
For more than 30 years since its formation, NEDO has been promoting the development of “Clean Coal Technology” which utilizes coal more efficiently.
Making the World’s Thermal Power Highly Efficient Through Japanese Technology
“Since power and economic activities have close connections, it is essential for every country to secure a ‘base-load power source’ to ensure a stable power supply at all times with low costs and low environmental load, although each country has its own agenda. Japan already has very high technology in thermal power, but I believe NEDO’s next-generation thermal power generation technology will contribute to a lower environmental load and more stable economic development not only domestically but also internationally.” (by Mr. Zaima)
The keys needed for this innovative next-generation thermal power generation to be useful worldwide are “high-efficiency” and “separation and capture of CO2”. To accomplish these goals, we’ll show you what kind of technology development NEDO has been working on.
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The 10 largest coal producers and exporters in Indonesia:
The 10 largest coal producers and exporters in Indonesia:
