Promoting co-firing of hydrogen and ammonia
Leverage the strengths of a full value chain
While the world's energy environment is changing, we generate and supply about 30% of the electricity in Japan. Ammonia and hydrogen are co-combusted while utilizing the mobility of thermal power, aiming for zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Create different roadmaps for each country and region, and contribute to decarbonization in Asian countries.
Mr. Satoshi Onoda
JERA Co., Ltd.
Representative Director and President
Born in Aichi Prefecture. After completing graduate school at Keio University in 1980, joined Chubu Electric Power. After serving as Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, General Manager of the Power Generation Division, Executive Vice President, and President of the Power Generation Company, he became Representative Director of the company in June 2018. President of JERA from April 1, 2019
--The Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered a global energy crisis. How do you perceive the global environment surrounding energy now that the importance of security is increasing?
Onoda: Beginning with Europe, the situation continues with soaring energy prices and difficulties in procuring fuel. This is a global problem surrounding liquefied natural gas.
JERA was established in 2015 by the independent fuel and power generation divisions of Tokyo Electric Power Company and Chubu Electric Power Company. Currently, we generate and supply about 30% of the electricity in Japan. We have a major role and responsibility to deliver electric power safely, inexpensively, and stably to everyone, and I feel that this mission is becoming more and more important.
By utilizing the mobility of JERAGM, our subsidiary in charge of fuel trading, and receiving support from countries around the world, we are focusing on fuel procurement and power plant response for the stable supply of electricity. We are willing to try whatever we can do.
――“JERA Zero Emissions 2050” was formulated in October 2020, and the Japanese roadmap was updated in May 2010. Please tell us the purpose of that.
Onoda: "JERA Zero Emissions 2050" aims to achieve virtually zero CO2 emissions by 2050 through renewable energy and zero-emission thermal power. Three approaches are shown for the realization. The first is the mutual complementation of renewable energy and zero-emission thermal power. Thermal power generation aims to reduce CO2 by introducing green fuel. Second, we will formulate and respond to roadmaps for each country and region with different environments and issues. Third, we will combine reliable technologies that have become available through innovation, and proceed efficiently with a low-risk, smooth "Smart Transition."
plates
The Japanese version of the roadmap shows how to promote carbon neutrality in Japan. First, we will phase out all inefficient coal-fired power plants by 2030. The new power plant will co-combust ammonia with coal-fired power and hydrogen with natural gas-fired power. We aim to decarbonize by using 100% of our thermal power generation capacity.
We are currently working on improving the co-firing ratio and expanding power generation facilities. At the same time, we will promote the development of renewable energy, mainly offshore wind power.
Also, in May 2010, we announced the "JERA Environmental Commitment 2035". This is due to the steady progress of the co-firing plan and the international situation. We have added a new target to reduce CO2 emissions in domestic businesses by 60% or more from the FY2013 level by FY2035.
Contributing to Asia and prospering together
--Please tell us about the current progress and future plans for the co-firing of ammonia and hydrogen.
Onoda: The development test of a burner that co-fires ammonia has been completed at the Hekinan Thermal Power Station in Aichi Prefecture. All burners will be replaced with mixed combustion, and while the output of the power plant will remain the same, demonstration of 20% mixed combustion will begin within FY2011. Through demonstration tests, we will confirm the impact on facilities, etc., and start commercial operation in the late 2020s.
For this reason, we are working on building a supply chain for ammonia procurement as an important issue. In November 2010, we partnered with Mitsui O.S.K. Similarly, we will proceed with hydrogen while clearing technical issues.
Since decarbonization cannot be achieved by one company alone, we would like to work together with the entire supply chain while building partnerships.
――In your vision, you are striving to contribute to Asia.
Onoda: Developing countries in Asia need to not only replace existing electricity like developed countries, but also cover the increased demand due to economic growth. In order to achieve decarbonization while maintaining growth, we will aim for decarbonization while using thermal power generation, not only at existing power plants, but also at power plants that are scheduled to be newly constructed. To that end, we will provide our clean energy supply base.
Specifically, in 2021, we acquired about 27% of the shares of Aboitis Power in the Philippines and started decarbonization efforts. In addition, we are also preparing roadmaps for Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, and other countries. I would like to work together with you to consider a path to decarbonization that is suitable for each country with different situations. We aim to grow and develop together with our business by contributing to decarbonization in developing countries.
