Japanese firms going green to protect environment

ORIX Corporation has been operating "Agatsuma Biomass Power Plant" in Gunma Prefecture of Japan.

The plant is the country's third-largest wood chip-?red thermal power station.

Agatsuma Biomass Power Plant uses 100 per cent wood chip biomass as fuel to heat a boiler. And then, using the steam from the boiler to power a turbine to generate electricity.

This plant has a power generation capacity of 13,600 kW, with annual power transmission at 85 million kWh to local household and business consumers.

"This is the power plant using renewable energy. It features clean energy with no CO2 increment. In this plant, 130,000 tons of wood chip biomass is used per year. We supply annual power consumption of approximately 24,000 households by promoting optimal use of wood chip, which has been wasted and not been used, as a clean source of energy," said Yasushi Kitera, Agatsuma, CEO, Agatsuma Bio Power Co. Ltd.

The use of biomass resources as an alternative to fossil fuels, not only helps to reduce CO2 emissions, but also enables more environmentally friendly power generation through the use of thermal recycling technology.

However, with the growth of the car ownership, automobile is becoming as a major source of environmental impacts related to air pollution and global warming.

Many countries had introduced tax reduction programs for new eco cars that meet regulations on fuel consumption and vehicle emissions as environmental measures.

Since last year, Indonesian government initiated Low Cost Green Car program, which exempts luxury taxes on cars with engine capacity of up to 1,200 cc and with a minimum fuel consumption of 20 km per litre.

Nissan Motor Indonesia recently announced its participation in the Low Cost Green Car which has been authorized by the government.

Following the requirements of the initiative, Nissan launched new Datsun vehicle, and started local production for Indonesian market.

"The government is giving a tax incentive for Datsun, which we can o?er to the customer with a very good price,"said Indriani Hadiwidjaja, Head of Datsun Indonesia

As Indonesia is a key strategic market for Nissan's global business objectives, the company expects to sell more than 90,000 units in Indonesia in 2014.

To meet this goal, Nissan also inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Indonesia.

The second plant in Purwakarta, represents an investment of 33 billion Yen and is a signi?cant step forward for Nissan to become a leading brand in the country.

The new 60,000 m2 plant is dedicated to the production of Datsun, expanding annual production capacity to 250,000 units.

Strong demand for cheaper, environmentally friendly models, also added a boost to sales of new car in Indonesia.

"We are generating a kind of new market where the potential young buyers want to step in," said Hiroto Saikawa, Chief Competitive Officer, Nissan Motor Corporation.

The Water conservation forest sustains life in Tokyo.

Even 190km away from the water source, Tokyo is extremely proud of its high quality water - you can drink strait from the tap at anywhere.

This is a highly urbanized mega city of 12 million people, yet Tokyo has been constantly maintaining the water environment to protect healthy life for citizens.

The Tokyo water works is Japan's largest waterworks and world's leading water service utility.

It is constantly innovating to maintain safe water environment.

"We implemented the advanced water treatment system here at Kanamachi Water Puri?cation Plant, and started full operation from last year," said Eiichi Uchida, Tokyo Water Works Bureau.

In addition to the existing conventional water puri?cation system, Tokyo is promoting the advanced water treatment system based on Ozon treatment and biological activated carbon absorption.

This ozone generator produces ozone from oxygen by using electric plasma. And then, Ozone is injected and diffused into water puri?cation process.

The powerful Oxidation, absorption and decomposition effects of the advanced water treatment system, illuminates the organic matter which causes unpleasant taste.

Tokyo water works continues to steadily advance to support the people, and pass on Japan's water service achievements to the world's water environment.