Figure 3-2-3 International Comparison of Thermal Efficiency of Thermal Power Plants

Note: Thermal efficiency is the gross generating efficiency based on the weighted averages of efficiencies for coal, petroleum and gas (based on low heating value).

Source: ECOFYS, INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF FOSSIL POWER EFFICIENCY, (2007)

of the society including transportation and households. Here, we will introduce examples of low carbon technologies used by the energy conversion sector and the industrial sector, which together account for a large percentage of Japan's carbon dioxide emissions. Regarding the development of innovative energy technology, prior to the "Innovation Plan for Environmental Energy Technology," the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has put together the "Cool Earth–Energy Innovative Technology Plan" in March 2008. Of the 21 technologies selected by the Plan, we will introduce advanced nuclear power generation, high efficiency coal-fired power generation, carbon capture and storage (CCS), high efficiency natural gas thermal power generation, and an innovative iron-making process as well as the commercialized energy conservation technology.

## A Development and Dissemination of Power Generation Technology

## (A) Advanced Nuclear Power Generation Technology

Nuclear power generation, which does not emit carbon dioxide during the power generation process, is the only clean energy source that has the potential to become Japan’s major electricity source at this time. Therefore, it has an extremely important role in the fight against global warming. Premised on the assurance of safety, the government and citizens must continue to cooperate in steadily promoting nuclear power as a major electricity source. To this end, it is necessary to improve the light-water reactor technology, which is the prevailing technology in

“Monju” fast breeder reactor

(Photo: courtesy of Japan Atomic Energy Agency)

Figure 3-2-4 Medium Small Reactor (350MWe-IMR)

Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Cool Earth - Innovative Energy Technology Program

Japan and overseas today, and develop innovative power generating technologies such as the fast breeder reactor and so on, with a view toward 2050. Specifically, focus shall be placed on the development of the next-generation light-water reactor technology that will substantially enhance safety, affordability, and reliability; the fast breeder reactor cycle technology that will drastically increase the efficiency of uranium use; and “medium small reactor” system that can meet the electricity needs of developing countries and island states (Figure 3-2-4).

## (B) High Performance Coal-fired Power Generation Technology Combined with Carbon Capture and Storage

Compared to other fossil fuels, coal has the advantage of superior supply stability and high economic efficiency. On the other hand, it also has many environmental factors that limit its use, such as the large $ CO_{2} $ emission volume per unit of heat it produces. To resolve such issues from the environmental standpoint, clean coal technologies shall be promoted to control $ CO_{2} $ emissions.

Since coal is abundant and inexpensive, its use in the developing countries is likely to increase in the future. For this reason, enhancing the efficiency of coal-fired power generation—so that more electricity can be generated with