Mission of the group The accident at TEPCO’S Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants (hereinafter referred to as the “Fukushima nuclear accident”) caused by the massive tidal wave (Tsunami) of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, led to core meltdown at the Units 1 to 3, and to a release of large amount of radioactive materials, mainly cesium, to the environment. Though the cause was the unprecedented natural disaster, the parties concerned should further strive toward safe nuclear technology that is acceptable by the society and toward the recovery from the accident. The Atomic Energy Basic Act revised in June 2012 clearly mentions that “for safety assurance, based on …
Mission of the group The share of thermal power generation in Japan has increased after the Fukushima nuclear accident, though there are issues such as soaring fuel procurement costs and increased greenhouse gas emissions, and fossil energy will remain the majority of energy supply for some time. Under these circumstances, innovative technologies contributing to reducing CO2 emissions and to secure supply of resources are crucial. The Fossil Fuels Group has provided long-term views for fossil resource utilization technologies and clarify issues in technological development required, which will benefit the society in the future. Especially, efficient use of fossil resources such as non-conventional crude oil, non-conventional natural gas (shale gas or …
Mission of the group The increase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as CO2 and other gases in the atmosphere is causing global warming, could lead to a serious impact on global environment. Climatechange is an issue to be tackled by all nations for urgent measures in a collaborative manner. Negotiations for a post-Kyoto Protocol scheme have already started. Also, from the technological viewpoint, development of GHG emissions reduction technologies to mitigate long-term impact of climate change is urgent task. The Global Environment Group takes on a mission to comprehensively evaluate the issues related to the long-term global environment from a standpoint of natural science, society and technology. As part …
Mission of the groups Use of renewable energy such as solar, wind and biomass is expected to be further expanded, as it has advantages from the viewpoint of global warming countermeasures and increasing domestic energy source. Moreover, vigorous efforts are being made in research & development of innovative technologies on energy demand side, that improve energy efficiency and diversification of energy sources. The groups study and research a path toward development of renewable energy and innovative energy technologies from a wider view and to make contribution to our country’s energy strategy by identifying necessary technological development challenges and indicating a direction for problem solution Future challenges There are various study …
Mission of the group Hydrogen energy is an important way to prevent global warming and ensure energy security. The reason is that hydrogen, which is compatible with electric power, is a unique energy carrier as it emits no CO2 when used, and its resources are evenly accessible in the world. Therefore, to establish hydrogen production technology without CO2 emission, namely using renewable energy or nuclear energy, will be a great contribution to prevention of global warming. Economically feasible large-scale hydrogen energy systems, however, have not yet been established to date. And, further technological development and sophistication of hydrogen systems are necessary to realize the massive and efficient supply and utilization …
