Tokyo, June 10, 2008 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will provide its new fuel cell vehicle, FCX Clarity, as well as Civic Hybrid and other advanced technologies for the Hokkaido Toyako Summit to be held July 7-9, 2008.
Get more details at JCN.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Honda to Provide its New Fuel Cell Vehicle, FCX Clarity, and Other Technologies for the Hokkaido Toyako Summit
Toyota Strengthens Initiatives for Low Carbon Society
Tokyo, June 11, 2008 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) unveiled today an action plan for contributing to the realization of a low carbon society through initiatives in the areas of research and development, manufacturing and social contribution.
"Since its foundation, Toyota has conducted its business based on the guiding principle of contributing to the development of a prosperous society through the manufacture of automobiles", said TMC President Katsuaki Watanabe, speaking at the Toyota Environmental Forum in Tokyo, where the action plan was unveiled. "Toyota seeks to combine the power of people and technology to help create a society that maintains a balance between corporate activities and environmental preservation."
Specific TMC plans are described below.
I. Research and Development
Some of the environmental and energy issues surrounding automobiles include reducing CO2 emissions (global warming measures), supporting the use of non-petroleum based sources of energy and improving air quality. TMC aims to help achieve sustainable mobility by using hybrid technology as a core means to reduce oil consumption and promote the adaptation of vehicles to energy diversification.
1. Automobiles
While adapting to energy diversification, TMC will develop vehicles that can simultaneously reduce CO2 emissions and make the air cleaner. It will commercialize such vehicles in line with the energy trends of each market based on its philosophy of introducing the right vehicle, at the right time, in the right place.
2. Packaging
TMC is working on initiatives to reduce vehicle size and weight. The "iQ", which is planned for launch in 2008, offers revolutionary packaging?seating four people in a body less than three meters long.
3. Powertrains
Average fuel efficiency for new Toyota vehicles sold in Japan rose by approximately 28% in the 10 years from 1997 to 2007. By the end of 2010 TMC will complete transition to a new series of highly efficient engines and transmissions.
- Gasoline Engines
TMC will complete revamping its engine lineup, with new 1.3-liter and 2.5-liter engines introduced in 2008. The new 1.3-liter gasoline engine is equipped with the newly developed TOYOTA Stop&Start SYSTEM.
- Diesel Engines
In 2003, TMC introduced clean diesel engines featuring the Diesel Particulate-NOx Reduction system, and, in the fall of 2007, it introduced a new 4.5-liter V8 engine. Cumulative production of diesel engines passed the 20 million mark in February 2008.
- Transmissions
While advancing multi-stage automatic transmissions and continuously variable transmissions, TMC will introduce a highly efficient compact six-speed manual transmission in the fall of 2008.
4. Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid systems are a core Toyota technology that can contribute to cleaner emissions, lower CO2 emissions and increased fuel efficiency. TMC is actively working to popularize these systems by increasing the number of hybrid models among its vehicle series.
Worldwide cumulative sales of the Prius reached 1 million units this past April and global cumulative sales of hybrid vehicles reached 1.5 million in June 2008. According to TMC's calculations, use of these vehicles has contributed to approximately 7 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions than would have otherwise been generated and has reduced gasoline consumption by approximately 2.7 million kiloliters[1].
- TMC's aim is to achieve hybrid vehicle sales of 1 million vehicles annually as early in the 2010s as possible and to strive for further popularization.
- TMC is working to further reduce the size, weight and cost of motors, inverters, batteries and other hybrid system components.
- In addition to already producing hybrid vehicles in China and the United States, TMC recently decided to produce hybrid vehicles in Thailand and Australia. We intend to continue to expand our overseas hybrid vehicle production efforts.
5. Alternative Fuel Vehicles
- Flexible Fuel Vehicles[2]
- Bio-fuel Flexible Fuel Vehicles
In 2006, TMC adapted all of its vehicles sold worldwide to E10 fuel and in May 2007 introduced flexible-fuel "Corolla" models in Brazil that can run on E100.
TMC will introduce the E85-compatible flexible-fuel Tundra and Sequoia in North America in 2008.
- Electricity (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles/Electric Vehicles)
Verification tests are currently being conducted in Japan, the United States and Europe, as plug-in hybrid vehicles?which can be used as electric vehicles for short trips and as conventional hybrid vehicles for traveling longer distances?represent the most promising approach.
By 2010, TMC will introduce a plug-in hybrid vehicle equipped with a lithium-ion battery, geared toward fleet customers in Japan, United States and Europe.
TMC plans to accelerate development of small electric vehicles for mass production.
- Battery R&D and Production
TMC will establish in late June 2008 a battery research department to advance the development of an innovative next-generation battery that can outperform a lithium-ion battery.
Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd., a joint venture TMC established with the Matsushita Group that is conducting joint research on batteries for use in automobiles, will commence limited production of lithium-ion batteries in 2009, moving into full-scale production in 2010.
- Hydrogen (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle or FCHV)
TMC has developed the "TOYOTA FCHV-adv", which features a newly designed high-performance Toyota FC Stack fuel cell. The TOYOTA FCHV-adv received vehicle-type certification from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on June 3.
The TOYOTA FCHV-adv features a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, and, through the use of TMC-developed 70Mpa high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, has a single-fill-up cruising range of approximately 830 km (in the 10-15 Japan test cycle; 760 km in the JC08 test cycle; as measured by TMC), which is more than twice the cruising range of its predecessor, the TOYOTA FCHV.
The TOYOTA FCHV-adv can be started and operated at ?30 degrees Celsius, greatly improving its cold weather performance. TMC is steadily overcoming the technological hurdles associated with fuel cell vehicles and will focus next on solving problems related to maintaining reliability and reducing costs.
- Alternative Fuel Supplies
TMC's involvement in alternative fuel utilization includes a variety of initiatives aimed at ensuring fuel supplies.
TMC is reinforcing its structure of survey-based global energy analysis by establishing energy research organizations in Japan and the United States.
TMC is conducting research on a cellulosic ethanol that can both avert competition with food supplies and ensure a stable supply. The distinctive feature of TMC's research is the focus on using technologies that involve yeast.
TMC is conducting joint research with Nippon Oil Corporation on high-concentration bio hydrofined diesel (also known as "BHD") as a bio-fuel alternative to petroleum-based diesel. So far, the research has led to vast improvement in the oxidative stability of BHD, enabling the fuel to perform on par with conventional diesel.
TMC is conducting research on biomass-to-liquid (also known as "BTL"), which is derived from synthesizing gas made from all types of biomass, including cellulose.
- Infrastructure and Driver Support
Solving global warming and energy-related issues cannot be accomplished solely through automotive technology; it is essential to address issues throughout society, taking into consideration the actions of drivers and the state of the transport infrastructure. As an automaker, TMC is supporting activities in these areas.
In terms of infrastructural development in Japan, TMC is working with various government ministries to improve traffic flow by reducing traffic congestion. One potential method for accomplishing this is to find practical applications for the Probe Communication Traffic Information System [3].
As one way to support environmentally considerate driving, TMC will increase the number of vehicle series equipped with the Eco Driving Indicator, which lights up when the vehicle is being operated in a fuel-efficient manner, and with the Eco Driving Mode Switch, which puts the vehicle in an energy conserving mode by monitoring and controlling such functions as gear-shift timing and air conditioner settings.
II. Manufacturing
TMC is continuing to actively seek greater environmental responsiveness in its production and logistics through greater reduction of CO2 and further consolidation of environmental management. In addition to existing initiatives, TMC is also strengthening the global implementation of "sustainable plant" initiatives as another means of reducing CO2 emissions.
CO2 Emission Reduction Results and Targets for TMC Production
TMC is reducing CO2 emissions from its production activities, based on its "Fourth Toyota Environmental Action Plan" (2006 to 2010[4]). Because TMC has already achieved its original 2010 targets, it has set new targets and strengthened its approach.
1. 2010 CO2 Emission Reduction Targets, Results and New Targets
Region Worldwide[5]"Sustainable Plant" Activities
Emissions Volume per sales unit
2010 Target 20% reduction from 2001
2007 Results 32% reduction from 2001
New 2010 Target 35% reduction from 2001
Region TMC (Japan)
Emissions Volume per sales unit
2010 Target 35% reduction from 1990
2007 Results 55% reduction from 1990
New 2010 Target 60% reduction from 1990
Region TMC (Japan)
Emissions Volume
2010 Target 20% reduction from 1990
2007 Results 25% reduction from 1990
New 2010 Target 30% reduction from 1990
"Sustainable Plant" activities were begun in July 2007 with the aim of emphasizing the role of nature through the creation of production sites that are in harmony with their natural surroundings. TMC is implementing its "Sustainable Plant" activities with the following in mind:
1) Energy reduction through development and implementation of low carbon production technologies and through daily kaizen (improvement) activities
2) Energy conversion using photovoltaic and other renewable energy sources
3) Tree planting for fostering exchanges with local communities and protecting ecosystems
2. Model Plant Initiatives
- Japan
Takaoka Plant
In August 2007, Line No.1 started production after the introduction of innovative production technology.
Tsutsumi Plant
A photovoltaic generation system was introduced in March 2008 that has a rated output of 2,000kW, making it one of the largest photovoltaic power generation systems in use among automobile plants worldwide (as surveyed by TMC).
Also, a project to paint the assembly plant's exterior walls with a photo-catalytic paint is planned for completion by around the summer of 2008.
On May 18, volunteers from the local community and from TMC took part in Japan's largest tree-planting event (as surveyed by TMC), with approximately 50,000 trees planted.
- Overseas
United States
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc. (TMMMS) is expected to begin production?with an innovative production line?in around 2010. TMMMS is also actively promoting tree-planting activities as part of its effort to achieve a harmonious balance between the local community and the environment.
Europe
Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (TMUK) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing France S.A.S. (TMMF) serve as model plants.
Asia
Ban Pho Plant of Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. in Thailand is Asia's model plant. In addition to its cogeneration system and solar panels, the plant recycles wastewater, employs waterborne metallic paint at vehicle body paint lines and has maintained zero landfill waste since the beginning of its operations. This year in August, as part of its plant "greening" activities, Toyota plans to conduct one of the largest-ever tree-planting events in Thailand, with 10,000 people planting 100,000 trees.
III. Social Contribution
TMC promotes programs for the development of forestry, human resources and the local community in countries and regions throughout the world, believing that community-based initiatives are just as necessary for a sustainable level of environmental preservation as initiatives on the national or international level. TMC will continue to strengthen and enhance its contribution to environmental preservation by sharing the knowledge and experience gained with society at large so that the initiatives can be more widely implemented.
Examples of Key Initiatives
- In 1992 the "Forest of Toyota" initiative was launched in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. This initiative includes a number of activities, such as a hands-on nature experience program, forest improvement and maintenance, and research on satoyama (forests and wetlands near populated areas).
- In the year ending March 2001, TMC launched the Toyota Environmental Activities Grant Program, a subsidy program that supports the environmental activities of non-profit private groups and other organizations. The core theme of the program is environmental technology and human resource development that contribute to environmental revitalization and conservation. As of the end of the 2007 fiscal year (in March 2008), TMC granted funding to a total of 140 grant projects, both in Japan and overseas.
- In 2001, desertification prevention projects were begun as part of afforestation efforts in China, in areas affected by overgrazing and excessive cutting down of trees. In addition, TMC launched afforestation programs in 2007 to rejuvenate tropical forests in the Philippines, where forest degradation is a serious issue.
- In 2005, TMC supported the establishment of the Center of Industrial Development and Environmental Governance within the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University in China.
- The Toyota Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture, which was established in 2005, offers hands-on programs so that people can experience and learn about nature and projects for conserving forests.
- In addition, Toyota foundations and overseas affiliates throughout the world conduct initiatives in a number of areas, centered on providing grants.
[1] Based on TMC calculations
[2] Vehicles that are specially designed to run on either gasoline alone or on a blend of gasoline and ethanol
[3] Gathers traffic information and provides drivers with specifically tailored driving information.
[4] Unless otherwise noted, the years mentioned are from April 1 to March 31.
[5] The roughly 120 Toyota Group companies both in Japan and overseas subject to consolidated environmental management
JCN.
Elpida, Qimonda Sign Joint Development Pact
Tokyo, June 11, 2008 (Jiji Press) - Japan's Elpida Memory Inc. <6665> said Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with Germany's Qimonda AG to jointly develop next-generation dynamic random access memory chips.
The two companies plan to release advanced DRAMs in 2010 and start mass-producing them the following year. They will consider joint production.
The tie-up is designed to reduce costs and shorten the time of development through measures such as exchanges of engineers.
JCN.
Toyota to Start Developing Innovative Next-Generation Battery
Tokyo, June 11, 2008 (Jiji Press) - Toyota Motor Corp. <7203> said Wednesday that it will launch a new team in late June for the research and development of innovative next-generation automotive batteries.
The team will initially have some 50 engineers, and the number will be doubled two years later, according to the top Japanese automaker.
Toyota also said its battery-making joint venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. <6752>, called Panasonic EV Energy Co., will start small-scale output of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicles at a plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, next year. Full-fledged production is slated to begin in 2010.
The new Toyota R&D team is due to study technologies for such next-generation batteries as solid-state batteries and metal-air batteries, both of which are said to have higher energy densities and be safer than lithium-ion batteries.
Toyota will aim to launch such new batteries by around 2030, according to Vice President Masatami Takimoto.
Toyota also said it now aims to reduce fiscal 2010 carbon dioxide emissions from its global production sites by 35 pct from the level in fiscal 2001, more ambitious than the previously targeted 20 pct cut. In fiscal 2007 that ended last March, CO2 emissions from the Toyota plants dropped 32 pct from the fiscal 2001 level.
JCN.
Pioneer to Release PDP Monitor for 'Users Particular about Picture Quality'
Pioneer Corp unveiled June 10, 2008, the 60-inch "KRP-600M" PDP monitor, which is the second model added to its high-end "KURO" PDP series.
The company regards the KRP-600M as "a product targeted at 'Audio-Visual fans,' who are very particular about picture quality," said Masaaki Nishio, general manager of Engineering Department 3 of the PDP Product Engineering Division in the Home Entertainment Business Group of Pioneer.
Compared with the PDP-6010HD PDP TV, which is the first model in the KURO series, the black luminance of the KRP-600M was lowered to about 1/5 by reducing the predischarge emission. Black luminance determines the full On/Off contrast ratio.
The new PDP monitor does not have a built-in digital terrestrial tuner or a speaker, so "the users can select products of their choice for the KRP-600M," said Nishio. The KRP-600M is only 41mm thick at its thinnest part and 64mm at the thickest part. When using a wall hanger, the distance from the wall is 89mm.
The specifications were not unveiled, other than the fact that it has a resolution of 1920 x 1080. According to Takeshi Hama, deputy counselor of Home AV Engineering Group at Product Strategy Department of Pioneer Marketing Division, the full On/Off contrast ratio of the KRP-600M is enhanced to 100,000:1, while that of the PDP-6010HD is 20,000:1.
"Numerical competition is something KURO does not want to get involved in," Hama said. "If you take a look at the actual product, you can see its superiority in display performance."
Based on this thinking, the specifications of the KRP-600M, including the full On/Off contrast ratio, have not been specified in its catalog or other materials. Pioneer intends to continue the development of the PDP with a thickness of only 9mm (at the thinnest part), which was on display at the 2008 International CES in January 2008, in addition to other products.
"It doesn't mean we will stop the development just because we do not show the numbers," the company said.
In order to reduce the thickness to 64mm, the company used a low-profile power board and other thinner parts, while changing the part layout to improve the heat dissipation performance. The monitor incorporates a cooling fan, but "it only operates when the temperature rises to a certain point," Nishio said, expressing his confidence in the dissipation design as well.
The remote control that comes with the monitor is equipped with three or four LEDs. When the remote control is operated, the buttons glow like those on mobile phones.
"This feature improved the operability in dark environments such as home theaters," Nishio said.
The KRP-600M is slated for release in Japan in late June 2008. There is no manufacturer's suggested retail price, but "the market price is expected to be about ¥850,000 (US$7,921, price may vary depending on country)," Nishio said. The company plans to introduce a 50-inch PDP monitor, targeting the year-end shopping season.
Shinya Saeki, Nikkei ElectronicsTechOn!
IBM Japan, Kyoto University Develop Large-scale Traffic Simulator
IBM Japan Ltd and Kyoto University jointly developed a new technology that can simulate a wide range of traffic conditions in large metropolitan areas where several million vehicles interact with one another in a complicated manner.
With this technology, it is possible to simulate the behavior of individual vehicles in detail. Based on various scenarios, traffic policies and city planning for wide regions, such as the entire Tokyo metropolitan area, can be evaluated in a multilateral way, according to IBM Japan and the University.
The latest technology is part of the achievement from the Strategic Information and Communications R&D Promotion Program commissioned by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
According to IBM Japan and the University, the main goal of the latest joint development is to simulate in detail wide-range traffic situations in metropolitan areas where people's intentions and drivers with diversified driving characteristics interact with one another in a complicated manner.
During the joint development, Ishida & Matsubara Lab at Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University established the system to model various types of drivers such as young and older people.
Tokyo Research Laboratory of IBM Japan developed a large-scale multiagent simulation environment "IBM Zonal Agent-based Simulation Environmental" and a large-scale multiagent traffic simulator called "IBM Mega Traffic Simulator," which allow the high speed simulation of broad-scale traffic based on a variety of driving behavior models.
The new simulator is designed to fetch multiple driving behavior models and vehicle attributes extracted from the results of driving simulation test conducted in virtual space. Then, by utilizing the information on road networks and traffic regulations, the simulator can reportedly simulate in detail the traffic situation on a scale of several million units of vehicles.
In October 2007, a pilot program was carried out in Kyoto to block private vehicles from the area between Shijo Kawaramachi and Shijo Karasuma so that the amount of traffic was monitored when only public transportation vehicles and pedestrians were on the road. The comparison between the measurement result and the simulation result obtained by using the Mega Traffic Simulator reportedly showed that the Simulator has an excellent reproducibility.
Motoyuki Ooishi, Nikkei Electronics
Sanyo, VW to develop lithium-ion batteries
Sanyo and Germany's Volkswagen AG will develop lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicles as global automakers race to develop more environmentally friendly technology.
Japanese electronics maker Sanyo Electric Co. said Wednesday it will invest 80 billion yen ($769 million) to expand production by 2015 of such batteries, with plans to start mass producing them in a Japanese plant by next year, making 15,000 to 20,000 batteries a year.
Continue reading article at Yahoo News.Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Solar Powered Prius goes 100 MPG!
If a car that gets 100 miles per gallon of gasoline sounds like a driver's futile fantasy, think again.
Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden are testing a spruced-up Toyota Prius, a plug-in hybrid sedan complete with a solar panel attached to its oval roof and a bigger battery in the trunk to supply power in lieu of the gasoline-fueled engine.
The result: A spunky Prius that runs the initial 60 miles mostly on battery, adding up to a fuel mileage of 100 miles per gallon.
"The stored power in the battery does a great job of displacing petroleum," said Tony Markel, a senior engineer at NREL who has been working on the 2006 model Prius for the past two years. "For most people, their daily commute is about 30 miles, so this car would run virtually on battery and only need to be recharged at night."
Displacing petroleum is a desirable virtue today, as the nation battles global warming and skyrocketing fuel prices.
On Monday, Colorado's average price for regular, unleaded gasoline hit a record high at $3.943 a gallon, nearly 70 cents higher than the $3.258 a year earlier.
But the spruced-up Prius doesn't come cheap.
The lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged using a standard electrical outlet at home or even at the workplace, has a price tag of $40,000. And the solar panel on the roof cost $2,500.
All told, the car adds up to almost $70,000 - but as NREL says, it's only a unique research model at this point.
And if the car runs at more than 35 miles per hour, the gas engine comes to life to supply more power and consumption goes up.
Detroit automakers are interested in NREL's research, Markel said, adding that the goal is to bring down cost. Xcel Energy, Colorado's biggest utility, also is keen about vehicle-to-grid technology, which would have car batteries supply excess electricity during hours of peak demand.
Although NREL has yet to determine the experimental Prius' payoff time, it could improve with biofuels such as ethanol or biodiesel.
NREL says that light, plug-in hybrid vehicles could cut in half the demand for fuel, making it practical to use E-85 - a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Also, the fuel cost savings could amount to more than $500 per vehicle a year.
"I think high energy prices are here to stay, and to go even higher," said Bryant Gimlin, energy risk manager of Gray Oil & Gas, a diesel and gasoline wholesaler. "It will not only encourage new technologies such as plug-in hybrids but make them more price effective."
"But it will take a number of years to do that and make a serious dent on oil consumption," Gimlin added.
by Gargi Chakrabarty
World’s first solar battery charger for cell phones
Japanese companies StrapyaNext and Tokyo Coil Engineering claim they developed the world’s first battery charger for cell phones based on solar energy. The charger comes in the form of a phone strap.
The device is 12.5 cm long and weighs 40 grams. It takes between 6 and 10 hours for a full charge with which you can talk for up to 40 minutes. StrapyaNext promises on the product page: “As long as the sun pours light and heat on the earth!” An AC adapter can get the job done in 3 hours.
The charger is available for $19 but for the time being, only Japanese cell phones are supported.
Written by Serkan Toto
Panasonic's Bulb-type Fluorescent Lamp Gets Bright Quickly
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd released the Palook Ball Premier Q, a bulb-type fluorescent lamp that offers sufficient brightness immediately after it is turned on.
The new lamp incorporates an incandescent bulb called "Quick Lamp" inside a spiral arc tube. In order to overcome the problem of insufficient luminous intensity immediately after a lamp is turned on, the new lamp utilizes the Quick Lamp to compensate for the lack of brightness of the fluorescent lamp for the first minute or so.
According to the company, the brightness of the latest lamp increases to 60% of the maximum level in one second at around 25°C and to approximately 100% in a little over a minute. The brightness of the existing products is only about 40% immediately after they are turned on. Fluorescent lamps generally take longer before becoming bright. This is one of the obstacles in replacing incandescent bulbs with bulb type fluorescent lamps.
The latest product is suitable for use in bathrooms, corridors, etc, where the light is used for a short period of time and is frequently turned on/off. The power consumption is 10W, except when using the Quick Lamp (30W).
The life (time required for light flux to be reduced to 80% of the initial level) of the latest lamp is extended from 10,000 to 13,000 hours. The amount of material used to release electrons (the emitter), which is applied on the coil in the electrode unit, has been increased by a certain amount.
In addition, by equalizing the thickness of the fluorescent material applied on the arc tube, the remaining amount of gas generated when baking the fluorescent material has been reduced. As a result, the light flux is less likely to be reduced even when the lamp is used for a longer period of time, the company said.
The number of times that the lamp can be turned on/off during its life cycle is increased from 30,000 to 40,000 through the optimization of amount of emitter applied. This is also advantageous for applications in places where lighting is required for a shorter period of time, according to the company.
The Palook Ball Premier Q comes in three types, namely, the A-type measuring 55mm in outer diameter, the D-type with an exposed spiral arc tube and the G-type with a spherical shape measuring 90mm in outer diameter. Two colors are available for all types: the incandescent color and the cool color, which looks whiter. There is no manufacturer's suggested retail price, but it is expected to be about ¥1,500 (US$14, price may vary depending on country). It is slated for release on July 1, 2008.
Jun 10, 2008 18:42
Masaru Yoshida, Nikkei Electronics
Mitsubishi Heavy wins order for 5 geothermal power plants in Iceland
TOKYO — Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd said Tuesday it has received an order from an Iceland power company to build five 45-megawatt geothermal power plants in the northern European country.
A consortium consisting of Mitsubishi Heavy and Balcke-Durr GmbH, a German engineering company, won the turnkey order from Reykjavik Energy, with the new plants due to begin operating between October 2010 and February 2012, the Japanese heavy machinery maker said.
Oil Price Surge Lures Japan Traders to High-Cost Energy Projects
Tokyo, June 10, 2008 (Jiji Press) - With U.S. crude oil futures prices nearing 140 dollars per barrel, major Japanese trading companies are moving to make profits from natural resources that they once refrained from exploiting due to high development costs.
Mitsui & Co. <8031> said Tuesday it has reached an agreement with U.S. Oil Shale Exploration Co. and Brazilian state oil company Petrobras to launch a feasibility study for an oil shale development project in Utah.
Global reserves of oil shale, from which synthetic crude oil can be produced, are estimated to total 2 trillion barrels.
Although the break-even point for synthetic crude oil production from oil shale stands at around 80 dollars per barrel, the three companies believe that the operations will be profitable thanks to record-breaking crude oil price surges.
Mitsui and its two partners intend to launch daily oil production of 50,000 barrels as early as in 2013.
Mitsubishi Corp. <8058> said Monday it will launch a feasibility study with its two partners for the production of liquefied natural gas off the Nigerian coast in a low-cost LNG output system that is expected to achieve profitable output even at small- and medium-sized gas fields.
Mitsui, Norwegian venture firm Flex LNG Ltd. and Nigerian oil and gas developer Peak Petroleum Industries Nigeria Ltd. will study the low-cost system as LNG development and production have already started at known large gas fields to meet growing global demand.
With the method called floating production, storage and offloading system, the three companies aim to produce 1.5 million tons of LNG a year if an investment agreement is successfully concluded.
JCN.
Monday, June 09, 2008
As energy bills soar, Japanese test fuel of future
TOKYO (AFP) — As world oil prices skyrocket, thousands of households in energy-poor Japan are taking part in an ambitious experiment to use fuel cells to light and heat their homes.
Since the prime minister's official residence became the first house in the world to be equipped with a domestic fuel cell in 2005, about 3,000 households have signed up to have the grey boxes installed outside their homes.
The project aims to thrust Japan to the forefront of a "hydrogen society" that has kicked its addiction to fossil fuels and produces affordable energy while spewing out far less of the greenhouse gas that is blamed for global warming.
"The principle of fuel cells has been known since the end of the 14th century, but their first practical use was not until 1965, aboard the American spacecraft Gemini 5," said Michihiro Mohri, a senior vice president at Nippon Oil Corp.
The fuel cells produce electricity and hot water through a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen extracted from natural gas or other fuels.
"The hydrogen needed can come from various sources -- hydrocarbons, natural gas, bio mass or rubbish" to create methane, said Mohri.
While the fuel cells do not emit carbon dioxide, some is produced by the system during the process to extract hydrogen from natural gas, although less than traditional forms of power generation.
As well as producing electricity, the fuel cells also ensure a steady supply of hot water for households. With no motor inside, the machines -- about the size of a small cupboard -- are also silent.
"Households with the system are also no longer at the mercy of power cuts during natural disasters," said Mohri, an obvious plus for people living in one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.
Japan, with almost no natural energy resources of its own, is seeking to reduce its dependence on crude oil imports by developing energy efficient appliances and alternative forms of power generation.
Oil prices posted their biggest ever one-day gain on Friday, hitting a new record of 138.54 dollars a barrel in New York, up five-fold since 2003 amid supply worries and rising demand in emerging economies.
Far behind in meeting its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol to cutting emissions, Japan hopes to drastically reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced by its households.
The government even recently called on households to cut their time in the bath or shower to help meet Kyoto targets.
The government-sponsored fuel cell scheme involves a clutch of Japanese energy and technology heavyweights including Nippon Oil, Tokyo Gas, Sanyo Electric, Toshiba, Matsushita Electric Industrial, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Toyota Motor.
Some provide the source of hydrogen, others batteries or other components.
The government estimates there could be demand for 550,000 domestic fuel cells a year in Japan within a few years. There are 48 million households in Japan, of which 25 million live in individual houses.
For now, however, the system is expensive at about two million yen, or some 19,000 dollars, excluding installation. Research is underway to make the machines as economical as possible thanks to less expensive sources of hydrogen.
Thanks to reductions in the cost of components, the companies involved in the project hope to reduce the price of the equipment to one million yen as soon as possible to boost demand, and to cut it further to 500,000 yen in 2015.
Japanese automakers are also chasing the fuel cell dream, working to create a viable car which would produce power through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and leaving water as the only by-product.
AFP.
Eliica
The Eliica (or the Electric Lithium-Ion Car) is a battery electric vehicle prototype, or concept car designed by a team at Keio University in Tokyo, led by Professor Hiroshi Shimizu.
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