Mitigation of Climate Change
Mitigation of Climate Change Past Efforts Achievements since the oil crises of the 1970s Although Japan's electric power consumption has tripled since the first oil crisis of the 1970s, emissions of CO2 have merely doubled. This means a reduction in CO2 emissions intensity (that is , CO2 emissions per kWh of end-use electricity) of approximately 40%. This improvement is largely the result of expanded use of nuclear power and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as the enhanced efficiency of power generation.
Environmental Action Plan of the Japanese electric utility industry The Japanese electric utility industry announced its Environmental Action Plan, affecting 12electric power companies*, in November 1996 to build on its voluntary and proactive efforts to mitigate climate change. The group checks and reviews the Environmental Action Plan annually to ensure transparency and target achievement. * The 12 electric power-related companies affected include ten members of the Federation of Electric Power Companies (Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Tohoku Electric Power Co., Tokyo Electric Power Co., Chubu Electric Power Co., Hokuriku Electric Power Co., Kansai Electric Power Co., Chugoku Electric Power Co., Shikoku Electric Power Co., Kyushu Electric Power Co. and Okinawa Electric Power Co.) as well as the Electric Power Development Co. and Japan Atomic Power Co.
The electric power utility industry has achieved an approximately 40% reduction in intensity of CO2 emissions since the first oil crisis.
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Results of our fiscal 2000 efforts to reduce CO2 emissions Emissions of CO2 in fiscal 2000 equaled about 311 millions tons, an increase over fiscal 1999 of about 9 million tons, as consumption of electric power rose by about 21 billion kWh over fiscal 1999. This means that CO2 emission intensity (end-use electricity) in fiscal 2000 was 0.371kg-CO2/kWh, about the same as in fiscal 1999. Compared with fiscal 1999, CO2 emission intensity for fiscal 2000 reduced 12%, or 0.05kg-CO2/kWh.
Effect of using the best mix of energy sources, especially nuclear power • • • •
CO2 emissions from the Japanese electric utility industry in fiscal 2000 were about 311 million tons. Measures such as using nuclear power and LNG-fired thermal power resulted in about 440 million tons of CO2 emissions reduced. Nuclear power accounted for about 240 million tons of the CO2 emissions reduction, which corresponds to about 20% of Japan's total CO2 emissions (1,225 million tons) in fiscal 1999. Other effects include a reduction of about 70 million tons of CO2 from hydroelectric power generation and about 80 million tons CO2 from LNG-fired thermal power generation.
¾ Figures for reduction of potential CO2 emissions are calculated under the assumption that all power generation would be covered by thermal power generation other than LNG if nuclear, LNG and hydroelectric power generation were not available. ¾ Effects due to improvement in thermal efficiency and the transmission/distribution loss factor are calculated in comparison with fiscal 1970.
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Controlling Emissions of CO2 Now through Fiscal 2010 Efforts to Achieve Target
Summary of CO2 emissions reduction measures
Although the electric utility industry continues to take measures on both the supply and demand sides to achieve its CO2 emissions reduction target, the outlook for meeting the Environmental Action Plan target has become more difficult because of the prolonged process for siting nuclear plants. Despite this adverse business climate, the industry is dedicated to meeting its targets by more closely examining the efforts it should make. Efforts that are seen as particularly critical include: • Stepping up the promotion of nuclear power • Future increases in the efficiency of thermal power, and reviewing ways to operate thermal power sources more efficiently • Applying approaches based on the Kyoto Mechanisms, etc. 4
Nuclear power for Lower CO2 Emission
Nuclear power as Core of Best Energy Mix • •
Nuclear power offers supply stability that is superior to other forms of energy. It also has economic and environmental advantages, and together these make it indispensable for maintaining energy security on a long-term basis. Nuclear power accounted for more than one-third of the electricity generated in Japan for fiscal 2001.
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Efforts to Achieve Target Make thermal power plants and substations more efficient • • •
By developing and introducing advanced combined-cycle (ACC) power generation, which combines steam and gas turbines, we aim to improve the gross efficiency of thermal power plants to more than 52% (high heat value). High-efficiency coal-fired thermal power generation technologies, such as pressurized fluidbed boiled combined cycle (PFBC) and integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC), and being developed. We work to reduce transmission and distribution losses, as well as undertake research and development on large-capacity transmission, such as ultrahigh-voltage transmission lines of one million volts
Working to increase the use of natural energy sources Power generation from natural energy sources, such as solar and wind power, does not emit CO2 and is therefore viewed as an effective means of mitigating climate change. However, these natural energy sources also present problems, including: 1. Low power density. For example, a solar power site as large as 139 square kilometers* would be required to provide the same amount of energy annual as a million-kilowattcrass power plant. 2. Vulnerability to weather conditions. Output depends on natural conditions such as sunshine and wind velocity. Electric utilities are performing the R&D to solve these problems and also working to enhance the user of natural energy sources, such as by purchasing surplus power. *An area of 130 square kilometers is double the area enclosed by the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, 90 times the area of Hyde Park in London or 40 times the area of Central Park in New York.
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Present status of natural energy sources in the electric utility industry (end of March 2001)
Tappi Wind Park, Touhoku Electric Power Co.
Type
Capacity(kW)
Solar power generation
Approx. 4,548
Wind power generation
Approx. 16,327
The industry is promoting the use of natural energy sources by offering our customers the chance to buy surplus power from solar or other natural energy sources at cost, and by newly offering the Green Electric Power System, wherein customers, power generators and power companies work together to advance power from natural sources.
Approaching CO2 reduction activities through international cooperation The Japanese electric power industry promotes promising projects for reducing CO2 emissions through international cooperation under the Kyoto Mechanisms as well as joint research. Major projects are shown in the table below:
International Cooperative Activities to Reduce CO2 Emissions
Project Upgrading thermal efficiency by improving operational levels of an existing thermal power plant in Thailand Installing solar power systems and smallscale hydroelectric power systems in Indonesia Afforestation business projects in several Australian states Participation in the Carbon Investment Fund of the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Joint development of tropical forest regenerating technology with Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia Joint research on afforestation in several Australian state Development with Thailand Royal Forest Department of afforestation technology to restore mangrove forest ecosystems Technical cooperation in China to improve thermal efficiency of thermal power plants
Outline Project implemented to improve/recover the thermal efficiency of an existing thermal power plant in cooperation with The Electricity Generation Association of Thailand (EGAT). Cooperative project with the government in local electrification and utilization of renewable energy in Indonesia by installing solar power generation systems and small-scale hydroelectric power systems. Projects are conducted based on their contribution to the preservation of the world’s forest resources and their capability to prevent global warming by fixing atmospheric CO2. Funds established and operated by the World Bank and the BRD are used to invest in greenhouse-gas-reduction projects in developing countries and transition economies to reduce CO2 emissions. This joint research project with Gadjah Mada University was initiated in 1992. It uses the symbiotic relationship between lauan trees and mycorrhizal fungi to develop technology that can be uses in largescale afforestation. An afforestation experiment that examines planting on coal mine sites seeking to improve the soil with gypsum from the desulfurization process of coal-fired thermal power plants. An experimental afforestation project in damaged mangrove forests (such as former sites of shrimp-raising ponds), seeking to restore these potentially effective carbon sinks. A project to improve the thermal efficiency of an existing thermal power plant of the electric company Zhongguo Shandong Dianli.
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The Kyoto Mechanisms Enable Cost-Effective Measures to Mitigate Climate Change on a Global Scale 1. The Kyoto Mechanisms, it is anticipated, will supplement domestic efforts to suppress CO2 emissions and will be cost-effective measures enabling suppression of CO2 emissions on a global scale. The Japanese electric power industry will voluntarily and actively work to achieve this goal, while paying close attention to international trends relevant to the Kyoto Mechanisms. 2. Basic philosophy of the Kyoto Mechanisms • Wide-ranging private-sector participation is needed, and accordingly, the acquisition of privatesector emission allowances and credits through the Kyoto Mechanisms should be permitted. • The six greenhouse gases specified in the Kyoto Protocol should be covered. Projects concerning sink should also be covered with regard not only to joint implementation (JI) but also to the clear development mechanism (CDM). • Emission allowances and credits traded by emission trading and those traded by JI/CDM should be studied as mechanisms that are replaceable with each other. • Setting a ceiling for the use of the Kyoto Mechanisms should be avoided, because it limits the opportunity for cost-effective greenhouse gas reduction with market mechanisms. • Because of the pressing need for efforts in the near term, a framework should be put in place soon that is based on principal of “learning while doing” and that allows for voluntary efforts in the private sector. • Systems related to the Kyoto Mechanisms should be operated as efficiently as possible to minimize management costs. 3. Views on Emissions trading • The efficient operation of emission trading system is indispensable to assuring the health of markets. The intervention of government and international organizations into markets should be kept to the minimum required to assure transparency, such as recording transactions. Furthermore, existing commercial transaction systems should be used where possible. • To secure its credibility as an international system and encourage private-sector participation, it would be appropriate to emphasize the responsibility of sellers rather than that of buyers until the market is sufficiently mature. • In Japan, a domestic emission trading system along with initial allocation of emission allowances (CAPS) seems problematic and difficult to accept because of fairness and effectiveness concerns. 4. Views on joint implementation (JI) and clean development mechanism (CDM) • A provisional guideline should be formulated as soon as possible for CDM as the Kyoto Protocol stipulates that CDM become valid and effective from 2000. • The framework for JI and CDM should be beneficial to both donor and host countries (technology transfers, capital flows and training of human resources). • To ensure private-sector participation in JI/CDM, the cost-effectiveness of greenhouse gas reductions and the commercial feasibility and sustainability of implementing such projects are most important. Even profit-seeking business activities should be recognized in such projects if they prove to be effective at reducing greenhouse gases. • For the evaluation of sustainability, the judgment of the host country should have priority, and the preliminary exclusion of certain technologies, such as nuclear power, is improper.
The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan - Washington Office 1901 L Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: 202.466.6781 Website: www.japannuclear.com
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Environmental Action Plan of the Japanese electric utility industry The Japanese electric utility industry announced its Environmental Action Plan, affecting 12electric power companies*, in November 1996 to build on its voluntary and proactive efforts to mitigate climate change. The group checks and reviews the Environmental Action Plan annually to ensure transparency and target achievement. * The 12 electric power-related companies affected include ten members of the Federation of Electric Power Companies (Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Tohoku Electric Power Co., Tokyo Electric Power Co., Chubu Electric Power Co., Hokuriku Electric Power Co., Kansai Electric Power Co., Chugoku Electric Power Co., Shikoku Electric Power Co., Kyushu Electric Power Co. and Okinawa Electric Power Co.) as well as the Electric Power Development Co. and Japan Atomic Power Co.
The electric power utility industry has achieved an approximately 40% reduction in intensity of CO2 emissions since the first oil crisis.
2
Results of our fiscal 2000 efforts to reduce CO2 emissions Emissions of CO2 in fiscal 2000 equaled about 311 millions tons, an increase over fiscal 1999 of about 9 million tons, as consumption of electric power rose by about 21 billion kWh over fiscal 1999. This means that CO2 emission intensity (end-use electricity) in fiscal 2000 was 0.371kg-CO2/kWh, about the same as in fiscal 1999. Compared with fiscal 1999, CO2 emission intensity for fiscal 2000 reduced 12%, or 0.05kg-CO2/kWh.
Effect of using the best mix of energy sources, especially nuclear power • • • •
CO2 emissions from the Japanese electric utility industry in fiscal 2000 were about 311 million tons. Measures such as using nuclear power and LNG-fired thermal power resulted in about 440 million tons of CO2 emissions reduced. Nuclear power accounted for about 240 million tons of the CO2 emissions reduction, which corresponds to about 20% of Japan's total CO2 emissions (1,225 million tons) in fiscal 1999. Other effects include a reduction of about 70 million tons of CO2 from hydroelectric power generation and about 80 million tons CO2 from LNG-fired thermal power generation.
¾ Figures for reduction of potential CO2 emissions are calculated under the assumption that all power generation would be covered by thermal power generation other than LNG if nuclear, LNG and hydroelectric power generation were not available. ¾ Effects due to improvement in thermal efficiency and the transmission/distribution loss factor are calculated in comparison with fiscal 1970.
3
Controlling Emissions of CO2 Now through Fiscal 2010 Efforts to Achieve Target
Summary of CO2 emissions reduction measures
Although the electric utility industry continues to take measures on both the supply and demand sides to achieve its CO2 emissions reduction target, the outlook for meeting the Environmental Action Plan target has become more difficult because of the prolonged process for siting nuclear plants. Despite this adverse business climate, the industry is dedicated to meeting its targets by more closely examining the efforts it should make. Efforts that are seen as particularly critical include: • Stepping up the promotion of nuclear power • Future increases in the efficiency of thermal power, and reviewing ways to operate thermal power sources more efficiently • Applying approaches based on the Kyoto Mechanisms, etc. 4
Nuclear power for Lower CO2 Emission
Nuclear power as Core of Best Energy Mix • •
Nuclear power offers supply stability that is superior to other forms of energy. It also has economic and environmental advantages, and together these make it indispensable for maintaining energy security on a long-term basis. Nuclear power accounted for more than one-third of the electricity generated in Japan for fiscal 2001.
5
Efforts to Achieve Target Make thermal power plants and substations more efficient • • •
By developing and introducing advanced combined-cycle (ACC) power generation, which combines steam and gas turbines, we aim to improve the gross efficiency of thermal power plants to more than 52% (high heat value). High-efficiency coal-fired thermal power generation technologies, such as pressurized fluidbed boiled combined cycle (PFBC) and integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC), and being developed. We work to reduce transmission and distribution losses, as well as undertake research and development on large-capacity transmission, such as ultrahigh-voltage transmission lines of one million volts
Working to increase the use of natural energy sources Power generation from natural energy sources, such as solar and wind power, does not emit CO2 and is therefore viewed as an effective means of mitigating climate change. However, these natural energy sources also present problems, including: 1. Low power density. For example, a solar power site as large as 139 square kilometers* would be required to provide the same amount of energy annual as a million-kilowattcrass power plant. 2. Vulnerability to weather conditions. Output depends on natural conditions such as sunshine and wind velocity. Electric utilities are performing the R&D to solve these problems and also working to enhance the user of natural energy sources, such as by purchasing surplus power. *An area of 130 square kilometers is double the area enclosed by the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, 90 times the area of Hyde Park in London or 40 times the area of Central Park in New York.
6
Present status of natural energy sources in the electric utility industry (end of March 2001)
Tappi Wind Park, Touhoku Electric Power Co.
Type
Capacity(kW)
Solar power generation
Approx. 4,548
Wind power generation
Approx. 16,327
The industry is promoting the use of natural energy sources by offering our customers the chance to buy surplus power from solar or other natural energy sources at cost, and by newly offering the Green Electric Power System, wherein customers, power generators and power companies work together to advance power from natural sources.
Approaching CO2 reduction activities through international cooperation The Japanese electric power industry promotes promising projects for reducing CO2 emissions through international cooperation under the Kyoto Mechanisms as well as joint research. Major projects are shown in the table below:
International Cooperative Activities to Reduce CO2 Emissions
Project Upgrading thermal efficiency by improving operational levels of an existing thermal power plant in Thailand Installing solar power systems and smallscale hydroelectric power systems in Indonesia Afforestation business projects in several Australian states Participation in the Carbon Investment Fund of the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Joint development of tropical forest regenerating technology with Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia Joint research on afforestation in several Australian state Development with Thailand Royal Forest Department of afforestation technology to restore mangrove forest ecosystems Technical cooperation in China to improve thermal efficiency of thermal power plants
Outline Project implemented to improve/recover the thermal efficiency of an existing thermal power plant in cooperation with The Electricity Generation Association of Thailand (EGAT). Cooperative project with the government in local electrification and utilization of renewable energy in Indonesia by installing solar power generation systems and small-scale hydroelectric power systems. Projects are conducted based on their contribution to the preservation of the world’s forest resources and their capability to prevent global warming by fixing atmospheric CO2. Funds established and operated by the World Bank and the BRD are used to invest in greenhouse-gas-reduction projects in developing countries and transition economies to reduce CO2 emissions. This joint research project with Gadjah Mada University was initiated in 1992. It uses the symbiotic relationship between lauan trees and mycorrhizal fungi to develop technology that can be uses in largescale afforestation. An afforestation experiment that examines planting on coal mine sites seeking to improve the soil with gypsum from the desulfurization process of coal-fired thermal power plants. An experimental afforestation project in damaged mangrove forests (such as former sites of shrimp-raising ponds), seeking to restore these potentially effective carbon sinks. A project to improve the thermal efficiency of an existing thermal power plant of the electric company Zhongguo Shandong Dianli.
7
The Kyoto Mechanisms Enable Cost-Effective Measures to Mitigate Climate Change on a Global Scale 1. The Kyoto Mechanisms, it is anticipated, will supplement domestic efforts to suppress CO2 emissions and will be cost-effective measures enabling suppression of CO2 emissions on a global scale. The Japanese electric power industry will voluntarily and actively work to achieve this goal, while paying close attention to international trends relevant to the Kyoto Mechanisms. 2. Basic philosophy of the Kyoto Mechanisms • Wide-ranging private-sector participation is needed, and accordingly, the acquisition of privatesector emission allowances and credits through the Kyoto Mechanisms should be permitted. • The six greenhouse gases specified in the Kyoto Protocol should be covered. Projects concerning sink should also be covered with regard not only to joint implementation (JI) but also to the clear development mechanism (CDM). • Emission allowances and credits traded by emission trading and those traded by JI/CDM should be studied as mechanisms that are replaceable with each other. • Setting a ceiling for the use of the Kyoto Mechanisms should be avoided, because it limits the opportunity for cost-effective greenhouse gas reduction with market mechanisms. • Because of the pressing need for efforts in the near term, a framework should be put in place soon that is based on principal of “learning while doing” and that allows for voluntary efforts in the private sector. • Systems related to the Kyoto Mechanisms should be operated as efficiently as possible to minimize management costs. 3. Views on Emissions trading • The efficient operation of emission trading system is indispensable to assuring the health of markets. The intervention of government and international organizations into markets should be kept to the minimum required to assure transparency, such as recording transactions. Furthermore, existing commercial transaction systems should be used where possible. • To secure its credibility as an international system and encourage private-sector participation, it would be appropriate to emphasize the responsibility of sellers rather than that of buyers until the market is sufficiently mature. • In Japan, a domestic emission trading system along with initial allocation of emission allowances (CAPS) seems problematic and difficult to accept because of fairness and effectiveness concerns. 4. Views on joint implementation (JI) and clean development mechanism (CDM) • A provisional guideline should be formulated as soon as possible for CDM as the Kyoto Protocol stipulates that CDM become valid and effective from 2000. • The framework for JI and CDM should be beneficial to both donor and host countries (technology transfers, capital flows and training of human resources). • To ensure private-sector participation in JI/CDM, the cost-effectiveness of greenhouse gas reductions and the commercial feasibility and sustainability of implementing such projects are most important. Even profit-seeking business activities should be recognized in such projects if they prove to be effective at reducing greenhouse gases. • For the evaluation of sustainability, the judgment of the host country should have priority, and the preliminary exclusion of certain technologies, such as nuclear power, is improper.
The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan - Washington Office 1901 L Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: 202.466.6781 Website: www.japannuclear.com
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