Initiatives towards low carbonization
At Idemitsu Kosan, we are working to provide low-carbon solutions for coal boilers and transition to new businesses that make full use of the management Resources and knowledge we have cultivated through operating coal mines. Through these initiatives, we will promote the transformation of our business portfolio and contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality society.
Initiatives to supply black pellets (biomass fuel)
We are engaged in the supply business of black pellets, "Idemitsu Green Energy Pellets'' which is a biomass fuel that can be mixed with coal and burned (co-combustion). We believe that co-firing biomass in coal-fired power plants is an efficient CO2 reduction measure and a realistic solution to realizing an energy mix.
What is biomass fuel?
Energy Resources created from organic matter excluding fossil fuels. While woody biomass fuel emits CO2 when it is burned, plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis during growth, which offsets the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and makes it carbon neutral. ”.
Background and aims of the initiative
Coal-fired power generation emits more CO2 per kWh (power generation) than other power sources. The aim is to reduce CO2 emissions by co-firing coal and biomass fuel.
the next deployment
We have been providing information to customers while manufacturing samples and accumulating manufacturing know-how in Vietnam. We are currently preparing for commercial operation.
Sales of boiler control optimization system ULTY-V plus
The boiler control optimization system "ULTY-V plus" functions simply by connecting it to existing boilers that use coal, heavy oil, biomass, etc. as fuel used in power plants and factories.
Boiler efficiency is improved by learning using AI (artificial intelligence) and performing a series of control "measurement", "analysis", and "judgment" in a self-contained manner. This reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
It is sold by Yusen NYK Idemitsu Green Solutions Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, NYK Trading Corporation, and NYK Line.
In addition to Japan, we also sell to Southeast Asia such as Taiwan and Indonesia.
| structure | ULTY-V plus connects to the boiler control system and corrects fuel flow control using a control program equipped with AI functions. |
|---|---|
| effect | Reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 0.5-1.5%. |
| Sales destination | We not only deliver to customers such as domestic power companies and factories in various industries, but also sell to Taiwan, Indonesia, and other countries, and we plan to further expand our sales area in the future. |
| Seller | NYK Idemitsu Green Solutions Co., Ltd. |
Development of carbon recycling technology
The Carbon Recycling Office was established in the Energy Agency of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2019 in order to view CO2 as Resources and promote innovation in carbon recycling technology (CO2 utilization technology). At the same time, we began developing synthetic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) production technology, which uses concrete waste and CO2 contained in boiler exhaust gas, as raw materials, which is one of the carbon recycling technologies. We have started research and development on a certain carbonation technology.
Our synthetic carbon production technology has two methods using waste concrete (waste concrete) and residual concrete (residue concrete) as raw materials.
Environmentally friendly mine operations and mine site rehabilitation
We strive to operate our mines with consideration for environmental conservation. While continuing to monitor dust, noise, vibration, water, greenhouse gases, etc., we are working to confirm and minimize the impact of our operations on local communities.
In addition, at mine sites where mining has been completed, after backfilling and leveling the land, we carry out rehabilitation by planting trees and restoring nature to its original form. Through this, we strive to reduce the impact on biodiversity and maintain and improve the natural environment.
Taking on the challenge of renewable energy business utilizing former mine sites and infrastructure, etc.
Consideration of solar power generation business (Australia)
In Australia, the government is promoting an energy transition towards decarbonization. Additionally, the country is large and has climate conditions such as wind and sunlight that are suitable for producing renewable energy, so compared to other regions, it has the potential to produce renewable energy cheaply and stably.
Our company is considering a project that would utilize idle mine land and power lines in Australia to generate solar power and supply electricity to the mine and local area.
Consideration of pumped storage hydropower generation (Australia)
Pumped storage hydroelectric power generation is one method of hydroelectric power generation. During the day when solar power generation increases, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir using inexpensive renewable energy, and water is pumped from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir during the hours when demand is expected from morning to evening. It generates electricity by guiding it down.
Our company is considering a power generation and supply business that would convert the former mining site into a lower reservoir and make use of the surrounding hilly land.
Consideration of cultivation of biomass fuel raw materials (Australia and Indonesia)
We are considering growing raw materials suitable for pellet production near the mine to produce biomass fuel and using the mine's existing infrastructure for transportation.
Promoting entry into rare metal business (Australia)
In Australia, which is rich in mineral Resources, we are promoting entry into the rare metals business, which is compatible with coal mining operations and is essential for realizing a low-carbon society.
vanadium mining project
We have invested in Vecco Group Pty Ltd, which is promoting projects related to vanadium mines and electrolyte plants, and are working to gain knowledge in the rare metals business. In the project, Vecco aims to build a value chain of local production for local consumption, including mining vanadium-containing ores, refining them into vanadium pentoxide, and producing vanadium electrolyte for redox flow batteries*.
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Redox flow battery: A battery that stores energy in an electrolyte. It has characteristics suitable for large-scale storage batteries for power grids, such as easy expansion of battery capacity and long life, and is attracting attention as a battery that will contribute to promoting the introduction of renewable energy.
lithium mining project
We have invested in Delta Lithium Limited, which promotes the lithium business, with the aim of contributing to the accumulation of lithium mining knowledge and stabilizing the production and supply of lithium ore in geopolitically stable Australia.
Demand for lithium is expected to accelerate due to the electrification of mobility, including electric vehicles (EVs), and the expansion of demand for large, stationary storage batteries.