R & D Information

The management environment for OEPC is becoming increasingly severe. Not only do we have to comply with commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, new Japanese legislation directly covering the electric power utilities obligates us to develop new energy sources. In addition, the market in which we operate is threatening to become more competitive as a result of the entry of independent power providers into the newly deregulated power market. The research staff of OEPC are conducting a variety of studies aimed at finding effective solutions to these urgent issues that face the Company's management. These research initiatives are described below.

Biomass energy

The term "biomass energy," also called simply "biomass," refers to the solar energy stored by plants through the process of photosynthesis, by means of which they utilize sunlight to create their tissues. Unlike fossil fuels, biomass is a renewable energy source. No matter how many times biomass is converted into other forms of energy and utilized by mankind, the carbon dioxide thus released was originally taken from the atmosphere by the plants to form their mass. The process thus does not constitute the addition of any further carbon dioxide to the atmosphere (it is carbon neutral). We are currently studying the various forms and volumes of biomass available in Okinawa Prefecture for use as a fuel in power generation. One likely candidate is the use of wood chips and sawdust, as well as pressed sludge as a fuel source after mixture with coal.

Research into redox flow cell storage battery systems

To level loads and stabilize systems, the Company is researching and trialling redox flow battery facilities.
Although electricity is a very versatile form of energy that can be easily uti-lized for a wide variety of purposes, its biggest drawback is that it cannot easilybe stored. Redox flow cell batteries, however, are capable of storing a considerable amount of electricity, and can be effectively employed to store power at night, when demand is low, for use in the daytime. This is a very efficient way of utilizing a power supply system. At OEPC, we are also studying ways of utilizing redox flow cell batteries to overcome the principal drawback of such natural and renewable energy sources as wind power and solar energy, namely, that the level of power fluctuates almost constantly. Storing the electric power in redox flow cell batteries for use later would be one way of leveling-out such fluctuations in power supply, opening up the way to more extensive employment of clean and renewable energy.

Research into new energy sources

Wind-powered electricity generation is a classic example of "clean" energy, in that it employs a renewable natural energy source. The drawback is that it is dependent on the force of the wind, which varies almost constantly. Thus, if wind-power generation facilities are added to a small-scale power supply system, the stability (i.e., the reliability) of the power supply would be compromised. Because of this, at our Iheya wind-powered generating station, we have installed the world's first wind direction and wind-speed prediction system utilizing a laser beam device. Staff at the station are conducting research into ways of controlling wind-powered generation to produce a leveled-out power output through the accurate forecasting of fluctuations in wind strength. Additionally, from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2004, OEPC participated in joint research carried out by Japanese and Thai researchers under the aegis of Japan's New Energy Development Organization (NEDO), and in collaboration with NEDO, OEPC staff conducted verification studies on a solar power generation system that is believed to a prime candidate for practical introduction by Japanese industry.

Utilizing coal ash to make organic fertilizer

Coal ash left over after the combustion of coal at thermal power stations contains constituent substances that have been shown to be effective in promoting plant growth. To turn it into a practical fertilizer, the ash is mixed with organic materials such as rice bran, fish meal, and oilseed husks, and then allowed to ferment. By reusing what would otherwise be solid waste produced by our operations, we are contributing to the preservation of the environment. We are also making efficient use of this fertilizer in creating the Zampa Shiosai no Mori, with the goal of promoting greening as part of our global warming measures.