2024.04.08
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Special feature : Taking on the challenge of carbon neutrality Vol.1
Taking on the challenge of carbon neutrality
Aiming for 100% self-sufficiency in renewable energy
Using limited resources carefully and creating a sustainable society with clean energy are common challenges for all people living on earth. In the Medium-term Management Strategy FY2031, Mitsubishi Materials has declared its commitment as “For people, society and the earth, circulating resources for a sustainable future” and is working on utilizing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this issue, we will delve into Mitsubishi Materials’ journey of tackling the challenge of carbon neutrality.
Using limited resources carefully and creating a sustainable society with clean energy are common challenges for all people living on earth. In the Medium-term Management Strategy FY2031, Mitsubishi Materials has declared its commitment as “For people, society and the earth, circulating resources for a sustainable future” and is working on utilizing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this issue, we will delve into Mitsubishi Materials’ journey of tackling the challenge of carbon neutrality.
Mitsubishi Materials has set its target year for achieving carbon neutrality as the fiscal year ending March 2046, five years ahead of the government’s target year of the fiscal year ending March 2051, and has established GHG emission reduction goals. Additionally, by the fiscal year ending March 2051, Mitsubishi Materials aims to achieve renewable energy genera- tion equivalent to the electricity consumed internally, thereby achieving 100% self-sufficiency in renewable energy.
Creating clean energy
As part of its efforts to achieve a sustainable society, Mitsubishi Materials is actively pursuing initiatives to both create clean energy through renewable energy generation and reduce GHG emissions. Here, we will introduce the initiatives to create clean energy.
Geothermal
Utilizing the Knowledge Gained from Mining Development
Our history of geothermal power generation dates back to our management of coal and metal mines. While involved in mining development, we generated the necessary electricity from geothermal sources and cultivated knowledge of developing and utilizing geothermal energy ahead of other companies from the early stages of domestic introduction. Based on over 50 years of geothermal development experience, ranging from the investigation of geothermal resources to the construction and operation of power generation facilities, we are advancing stable renewable energy development and power generation projects.
Hydro
Over 100 Years of Operational Experience
Mitsubishi Materials has a long history of hydroelectric power generation, dating back to 1898. In Akita Prefecture, we constructed seven hydroelectric power plants by 2021, with the aim of supplying power for mining operations and other purposes. Furthermore, in 2022, the Komatagawa New Hydroelectric Power Plant, the first in 69 years in Akita Prefecture, began operations. Currently, Mitsubishi Materials has a total of five hydroelectric power plants in Akita Prefecture, contributing to the stable sup- ply of electricity to the local community.
Solar
Utilizing Vacant Land
Utilizing vacant land owned by Mitsubishi Materials Group, we jointly established LM Sun Power Co., Ltd. with Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. and launched our solar power business in 2013. By 2017, power plants had been constructed and commenced operations in five locations: Makabe (Ibaraki Prefecture), Fukui (Fukui Prefecture), Torigoe (Fukuoka Prefecture), Irigama (Miyagi Prefecture), and Yabuki (Fukushima Prefecture). Additionally, in recent years, our company has made additional investments in companies developing perovskite solar cells, contributing to the proliferation of solar power generation.
Wind
Leveraging Company-Owned Forests
Mitsubishi Materials and RENOVA, Inc. are planning a wind power generation project in Imakane Town, Hokkaido. We will effectively utilize our company-owned forests as new sites for the renewable energy business. Our aim is to commence commercial operations by 2031.
The image is for illustration purposes only.
