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Hitachi
Research & Development


Prototypes of AC adapter for mobile devices that can offset CO2 emissions from the electricity.

Text by Reiko Imamura

iF DESIGN AWARD 2022

Era of individual efforts toward decarbonization

Environmental disruption by carbon-containing greenhouse gases is becoming increasingly serious. Carbon emission reduction can be hardly achieved through efforts of the government and corporations alone, and there is an urgent need to raise the awareness of individual consumers. In this context, Hitachi plans a new ubiquitous green energy that connects individuals with renewable energy.

Today, there are limited options for individual consumers to be involved with renewable energy, including solar and wind. In order to use renewable energy at home, one needs to find an electric company that supplies renewable energy and then inconvenience oneself to alter a contract. Instead, we focused on an AC adapter that plugs into electric outlets, in pursuit of “a more casual way to start with a smaller amount of electricity.” How about providing ubiquitous access to renewable energy, anytime and anywhere, through this small device that can be carried along with a cellphone and mobile computer? What we had in mind was traceable vegetables at grocery stores that consumers can see who grew them. The idea is that there should also be consumers willing to pay their electric bill specifically to companies that are making an effort to promote renewable energy.

To explain the service, the existing contract with a power company will remain unchanged, as will the electricity payment to the company. From the used electricity, the portion that is used through the dedicated AC adapter will be associated with a carbon offset from renewable energy, or the “environmental value,” and its equivalent value will be paid to the renewable energy company.

Utilizing the J-credit scheme

Japan has a system that allows trading of J-credits, certified and issued by the government, to promote projects for reducing carbon-containing and other greenhouse gases. For example, a wind energy company can be a J-credit generator to sell J-credits equivalent to the amount of reduced carbon. Meanwhile, large companies can purchase J-credits to offset the amount of carbon they are unable to reduce through their own efforts, and this is expected to increase their publicity as a company making environmental contributions and to improve their corporate reputation.

By associating the J-credit information to the dedicated AC adapter, the electricity used through the adapter is considered to be carbon offset, and the purchase price of the corresponding J-credit is paid to renewable energy companies. In other words, the more the dedicated AC adapters are used, the more consumers can support businesses that contribute to decarbonization. Although there is no mechanism for individuals to utilize J-credits at present, individuals and renewable energy companies can be virtually connected through the dedicated AC adapter.


Monitoring the usage and contribution of re-newable energy on mobile devices.

Environmental value and economic value

Authenticating the AC adapter’s user may enable uses at places other than at home, such as convenience stores and restaurants. If the adopter is integrated into home appliances, the carbon emission from consumed electricity may be offset, wherever the products are used. Against the backdrop of the expansion of remote work due to COVID-19, the introduction of this AC adapter will enable the efforts as a company to contribute to decarbonization, even if more employees work from home than the office.

Currently, Hitachi has entered into joint research agreements with companies interested in these ideas and is working for their realization. We see great potential in services for individuals that visualize environmental value and make it easily tradable. How is Hitachi going to offer economic and practical benefits as well as environmental value in a situation where electricity is readily available? In a crucial moment to stop global warming, we hope this project will be a trigger to change people’s awareness.

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