Coal-Woody Biomass Co-combustion Generation at Hekinan Thermal Power Station

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. positions action on global environmental issues as one of its most important management agendas.  In addition to proceeding with the introduction of  new energy sources that have a low environmental impact, we work to achieve our obligatory targets under the RPS law(*1).

As part of these efforts, since May 2009 we have been conducting proving tests looking towards the introduction of woody biomass co-combustion at our coal-fired Hekinan Thermal Power Station.  With a test to be conducted tomorrow (September 18) in Unit No. 1 for approximately four days, we will have completed proving tests in all of the units, and intend to shift to full-fledged co-combustion.

We believe that this shift to full-fledged coal-woody biomass co-combustion will reduce our CO₂ emissions by approximately 200,000-300,000 tons per year.

Chubu Electric will continue to actively work to resolve environmental issues, and will contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society.

(*1)    In an effort to further introduce and expand the use of new energy sources, the RPS law (the Special Measures Law Concerning the Use of New Energy by Electric Utilities) obliges electric utilities to source no less than a specific fixed quantity of their power from new energy sources.

1   Target generation facilities

Hekinan Thermal Power Station, Units 1-5

• Location: 2-8-2 Konan-machi, Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture
• Total output: 4,100 MW (Units 1-3: 700 MW each; Units 4 and 5: 1,000 MW each)
• Fuel: Coal

2   Volume of use of woody biomass

Approximately 300,000 tons per year (Co-combustion ratio: Approximately 3%)

3   Projected generation output

Approximately 200-300 GWh per year

4   Projected reduction in CO₂ emissions

Approximately 200,000-300,000 tons per year

<Outline of woody biomass co-combustion process>