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NEDO Technology Development Fields (Energy Conservation and Environment)

Energy Conservation and Environment

Energy conservation technologies

Innovative energy-saving technologies, and unutilized thermal energy

  • Photo of Demonstration of a three-phase coaxial superconducting cable
    Demonstration of a three-phase coaxial superconducting cable

The Sixth Strategic Energy Plan formulated by the Japanese government entails sweeping energy conservation measures, such as reduction of final energy consumption by around 62 million kL in oil equivalent by FY2030. NEDO supports initiatives to develop innovative energy-conservation systems and technologies in Japan. Initiatives are being carried out in areas such as harnessing untapped thermal energy or making iron with reduced levels of energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Next-generation thermal power plants and CCUS technologies

High-efficiency thermal power generation; CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS); and environmentally friendly production processes

  • Photo of Tomakomai CCS Demonstration Facilities
    Tomakomai CCS Demonstration Facilities

Various innovative technologies must be employed in Japan’s bid to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Lower carbon emissions are pursued by NEDO through research to develop technologies for efficiently generating power, effective use of ammonia to provide a carbon-free process, and alternative ironmaking processes that employ hydrogen reduction. NEDO also engages in research to develop CO2 capture, utilization, and storage technologies aimed at recycling and sequestering CO2 rather than releasing it.

Environment and resource conservation technologies

3Rs, alternatives to hydrofluorocarbons, and water circulation

  • Photo  of Recycling system for WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) in Thailand
    Recycling system for WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) in Thailand
  • Photo of Energy-efficient seawater desalination plant (Saudi Arabia)
    Energy-efficient seawater desalination plant (Saudi Arabia)

NEDO enhances environmental and resource conservation in Japan by promoting the development of robust urban mining systems to recycle valuable metals, waste plastics, and aluminum materials and is also encouraging the rollout of recycling operations in other countries. In another initiative to reduce emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a type of greenhouse gas increasingly used as a coolant in refrigerators and air conditioners, NEDO is developing technologies to offer less harmful alternatives. In addition, it conducts overseas demonstrations of Japanese water treatment technologies and systems to hone the global competitiveness of relevant domestic industries.

Last Updated : July 12, 2022