Thermal power generation accounts for about 60% of domestic power generation. We are developing heat-resistant high-temperature materials to improve the efficiency of the steam turbines and gas turbines that are the heart of thermal power plants.
Achieving higher efficiency in thermal power generation also contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
In thermal power generation, higher operating temperature means higher efficiency, which means more efficient use of our diminishing fossil fuels in generating electric power. To achieve highly efficient thermal power generation requires high-temperature materials that have excellent heat resistance as well the most recent plant technology. For that purpose, we are doing R & D on using leading-edge alloy design, material processes, and material evaluation techniques to develop super-heat-resistant alloys, super-heat-resistant steel, thermal barrier coating and other such materials that have characteristics improved with micro- and nano-order material control. By using those materials to develop high-temperature component manufacturing technology for application to actual power generation plant, we will continue to contribute to the conservation of limited fossil fuel resources and reduction of carbon dioxide emission to preserve the global environment.
