Outline
Personnel

268 ( Research 246, Administration 22; As of January 2022 )Site area

170,000m

2

ABIKO AreaHistory
1951

Electric Technology Research Institute was established in Komae City, Tokyo.

1952

Institute was renamed to the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI).

1957

Agricultural Electricity Laboratory was established in Abiko City, Chiba Prefecture.

1970

Civil Engineering and Geology Research Department were transferred from Komae area to Abiko area and expanded to form Technology Laboratory Ⅱ.

1975

Technology Laboratory Ⅱ and Agricultural Electricity Laboratory were renamed to Civil Engineering Laboratory and Bio-Environment Laboratory.

1986

Civil Engineering Laboratory and Bio-Environment Laboratory were consolidated into Abiko Research Laboratory.

2004

Abiko Research Laboratory and Komae Research Laboratoryʼs Atmospheric Science Department were reorganized into Civil Engineering Research Laboratory,

Sustainable System Research Laboratory
Abiko Operation and Service Center
Procurement Center

Environmental Science Research Laboratory and Abiko Operation and Service Center.

2021

Civil Engineering Research Laboratory and Environmental Science Research Laboratory as well and Radiation Safety Research Center that was transferred from Komae
area were reorganized into Sustainable System Research Laboratory.

Access･A 30-minute drive from the Kashiwa Interchange of the Joban
Expressway.
･A 20-minute walk or 7 minutes by taxi from JR Abiko Station on the JRJoban Line (JR Abiko Station is approximately 35 minutes from Ueno
Station when using the rapid line).
･A shuttle bus for commuters departs from the North Exit of JR Abiko
Station on weekdays only.

Shuttle Bus Timetable

https://criepi.denken.or.jp/en/
Contact：Abiko Operation and Service Center
1646 Abiko, Abiko-shi, Chiba 270-1194, Japan
Phone：+81-4-7182-1181 Fax：+81-4-7184-1336

For details, please visit our website.

March 2022

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The Abiko areais the research base of Naturaland Environmental Science.
Sustainable System Research Laboratory

Main facilities and equipment in Abiko area

The Sustainable System Research Laboratory (SSRL), headquartered in the Abiko area, is a group of experts in areas
such as civil engineering, earth science, environmental chemistry, biology and agricultural science. Major aims of the SSRL
include reinforcing the resilience of electric power facilities and equipment through effective disaster prevention, operation andmaintenance; supporting the siting and operation of electric power facilities based on environmental impact and risk assessment;
realizing the stable and sustainable use of nuclear power through research and development relating to the radioactive waste
disposal and radiation safety. The SSRL also engages in technology development on offshore wind power generation and otherforms of renewable energy, and on carbon and resource recycling with a view to realizing carbon neutrality.

Sustainable
System ResearchLaboratory

Strategy andPlanning
Division

Geology and Geotechnical Engineering Division

Structures and Earthquake Engineering Division■■

Centrifuge System- Resonance type shaking

GeotechnicalStrong Shake Generationtable -■■

Facility

Physical Simulator■■

Tunnel SystemTunnel

Experimental Animal

Large-Scale TsunamiMeteorology and Fluid Science Division

Biology and Environmental Chemistry Division

Abiko Operation and Service Center

Procurement Center

The Abiko Operation and Service Center conducts various
business related to the management and operation of the
Abiko area, such as general affairs, disaster - preventive,
safety and health measures and regional support.

The Procurement Center formulates policies and rules
relating to CRIEPI's procurement activities and engages inrelated work tasks (procurement contracts, etc.).

Environmental Wind

Eiffel-Type Wind

Main Research by Sustainable System Research Laboratory
Technology to Protect Electric Power
Facilities from Natural Disasters● Fault

Earthquake-resistant/tsunami-resistant design techniques and countermeasure technology are developed through various
experiments and on-site observations in order to protect power plants; power transmission, distribution and transformation
facilities; etc. from natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

● Earthquake and Seismic Motion● Earthquake Resistance● Tsunami

Fault slip (m)Resonance typeshaking table
Connecting rods

Analysis of three-dimensional fault process using a helical X-ray CT device (strike slip fault)

Mobile seismic array observation unit

Large-scale shaking tableSensor
Ground surface displacement along theYunodake fault caused by earthquake
triggered by the 2011 off the Pacific coastof Tohoku earthquake

Trench survey

Strong-motion earthquake observation point on
an outcropping rock (Ishinomaki)

Analytical results of fault slip in the 2011 off thePacific coast of Tohoku earthquake

Active fault model experiments and investigations

Earthquake observation and analysis

The magnitude scale and ground surface displacement fracturedby the active fault are evaluated.

Sophisticated earthquake observation and analysis technologies areapplied to design earthquake decision of electric power facilities.

Maintenance Technology forElectric Power Facilities● Power Transmission Facilities

Strength tests of dam gate
Structural experiments for evaluating the residual
proof stress of gates are performed aiming forservice extension of existing gates.

Opening/closing
load
Hydraulic model experiments ofFlow
sediment scouring
This model experiment reproduces thesituation when the sediment accumulated near
the gate is scoured out by a strong current
caused by the dam gates opening.

Weir

Experiments using large-scale tsunami physical simulator

The main equipment of experiment, a large-scale shaking table (maximum seismic
wave of 2G) and a resonance type shaking table (maximum sine wave of 20G),
are applied to earthquake resistance evaluation of electric power facilities.

This facility faithfully reproduces a giant tsunami flooding into land on alarge scale. The obtained results are used to decide countermeasuresagainst disasters. (Maximum flow rate: 10 t/s; maximum flow velocity: 7 m/s)

Gate area(Opening)
Sediment
entrainment

Strength tests of dam gate and hydraulic modelexperiments of sediment scouring

Technology for Radioactive Waste Disposal
It is believed to be appropriate to first seal radioactive
waste in an engineered barrier, then bury it in a stablestratum (natural barrier). We are developing technology
for investigating and evaluating the long-term safety ofradioactive waste disposal facilities.

● Weather

Field observation of snow accretionon and galloping of conductor,
Examination of measures againstsnow damage

Predictedroute

Processing
ventricle

Weighing type rain gauge withdouble fence

Hydraulic loadCollision experiment using flotsam

Large-scale shaking table and resonance type shaking table

Experiments, on-site observations, and numerical simulations are performed to maintain and ensure the integrity ofelectric power facilities such as hydroelectric dams, power transmission facilities, etc.

● Hydroelectric Power Generation

Dam gate

Transformer vibration experimentusing a large-scale shaking table

Observed
route

Tunnel support /secondary lining

Natural barrier

Engineered barrier

Geologic
environment near
burial site

Lower level water barrier
Low diffusion level
Concrete pit

Observation of behavior of steel
pipe pile foundation

On - site observation of power transmission facilities
The behavior of snow accretion on power transmission facilities and shaking
overhead transmission lines under natural wind/snow environments areobserved. Furthermore, the fundamental behavior of pile foundation supportingtransmission tower under earthquake is observed. The obtained results of theseobservations are applied to the maintenance of power transmission facilities.

Waste matter

Typhoon simulation
Prediction of a typhoon (August 29, 2004)
route obtained by the weather prediction
system, NuWFAS.

Tornado simulation
Prediction of tornado flow

Typhoon and tornado simulation
Global weather (typhoons) and local weather (tornados) are predicted ; the obtained
results are used for disaster prevention and maintenance of electric power facilities.

Natural barrier
Technology to investigate the characteristics
of stratum and groundwater as well as thefuture stability of geological environments

Engineered barrier
Technology to investigate the long-term performanceof engineered barrier materials (bentonite/cement)

Conceptual example of intermediate disposal facility
for low-level radioactive waste

Environmental Impact
Assessment of Power Plants

Response to Global Warming Issues
We evaluates the validity of emissions reduction targets of both Japan and the entire world, based on the latest climate science andenergy technology knowledge. We evaluate the feasibility and risk of emissions reduction technology such as CO2 capture and storage
technologies, as well as the impact of global warming on society and the electric power industry, and disseminate information in orderto establish rational global warming countermeasures.
Climate Projection Model

CO2 emissions reduction scenario

Utilizing the impact assessment experience and technology of atmospheric environments, coastal environments and biological/ecological systems that wereaccumulated to date, we develop assessment methods and numerical models responding to the primary environmental impact consideration, which newly emerged
as an issue after the amendment of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, as well as responding to the simpliﬁcation and acceleration of assessments, etc.
Scope ofstudy

Japanʼs global warming
countermeasures

World electric power generation（EJ/Year）
250

Home rangeDen150(m)100World Long-term Energy/Economy Model
Energydemand

EconomyEnergysupplyCountermeasuretechnology portfolio

１℃ up envelope area

Environmental risk
assessment ofCO2 reduction measures

500DenDen

Rational CO2reduction measures

200Foraging environment(Life for food)Tidal current
Submerged
discharge

Behavioral environment(Place for droppings)

Optimum habitat

Power plant

Other
Photovoltaic
Wind
Geothermal

Hydro
Biomass + CCS
Biomass
NuclearGas + CCS
GasOilCoal + CCS

Project masterplan layout

Surface discharge

2020 2040 2060 2080 2100

Impact on the electric
power industry andresponse measures

Coal

Integrated assessment of climate, energy and economy to establish global warming measures
We integrate the climate projection model and energy/economy model and investigate feasible scenarios for CO2 emissions reduction from the perspectiveof climate science and energy technology.

Breeding environment(Burrow)

Impact forecast/assessment

Exhaust gas dispersion forecast based on a windtunnel experiment (top) and numerical model (bottom)

Prediction of warm water dispersion; ahydraulic experiment (top) and a numericalmodel (bottom)

We utilize dispersion forecast knowledge basedon wind tunnel experiments to develop 3D
numerical models and PC-based simplification
simulation methods with the aim of shortening
assessment timeframes, reducing costs, etc.

We develop 3D numerical models and PCbased simple simulation method to predict thewarm water dispersion, utilizing the experienceand knowledge of hydraulic experiment.

Quantitative impact assessments onterrestrial ecosystems
We develop impact assessment methods
from the perspective of animal habitats inorder to conserve biodiversity.

Effect Assessments for
Low -Dose - Rate Radiation

Health Assessment ofElectromagnetic Fields

Treatment of Electric Devices
Contaminated with Trace Amounts of PCB

Assistance with Effective
Utilization of Coal Ash

We are working on research to clarify the mechanisms of dose
rate eﬀects in stem cells and to estimate radiation risk at low
dose rates quantitatively by utilizing experimental systems
such as the Microbeam X-Ray Irradiation System, which makes
it possible to mimic the situation of cells at low dose rates.

We develop novel assessment technologies using human iPS
cells and humanized mice in order to investigate the eﬀectof the electromagnetic field which is generated by power
cables, etc., on human health.

We engage in the development of technologies such as thosefor simple PCB measurement which identiﬁes the contamination
scope and those to economically treat contaminated devices
regarding the wide variety of transformers owned by theelectric power industry in an attempt to solve the issue ofelectric devices contaminated with trace amounts of PCB.

We engage in the development of new uses of coal ash, suchas their inclusion in geopolymers, artiﬁcial reefs and replanting
materials for weed prooﬁng, as well as the development ofmethods for adequately and swiftly assessing the quality ofcoal ash and ﬁnished products thereof.

Gene insertion

Cover soil layer

Main unit

iPS cells

Supply pump(circulation securement)

iPS cells for health assessmentof electromagnetic ﬁelds

Wash oil circulationPDiﬀerentiation Celltransplantation

Water-spraying

Oiltank

Coal ash mixedmaterials

ＨHeater

Washing unit (heat supply)

Unsaturatedlayer

Model mouse(humanized mouse) for
health assessment ofelectromagnetic fields

State of water-spraying

Watercollectionpoints

Coal ash mixed materials

Aquifer

Microbeam X-Ray Irradiation System

Generation of humanized mouse model (top) anda magnetic field exposure unit (bottom)

We combine a cell culture function, fluorescent microscope and X-ray
microbeam irradiation device and utilize them in single-cell-targetedirradiation experiments.

The human hematopoietic cells induced from iPS cells are transplanted
in mice to create humanized mice. These mice are used to investigate
if there is health impact due to exposure to magnetic field.

Heated forced circulation washing technology for contaminated transformers(top, bottom left) and a biosensor to simply measure PCB concentration
Heated forced circulation washing targets used transformers and washes out
PCB by forcefully circulating heated washing oil. Regarding contaminatedtransformers still in use, we are developing energized natural circulation
washing technology to enable washing during operation. PCB biosensors arealready utilized in the pollution assessment of 500,000 transformers.

Drainage

Lysimeter

Replenishment of soil layer

Through constructing a soil layer that contains coal ash mixed materials
in its column and watering it with artificial rainfall, we evaluate mattermovement behavior within the soil and its effects on groundwater.