Carbon neutrality at heart of Japan's Ceatec expo

Oct 20, 2021 | News On Japan

Oct 20, 2021 (Nikkei) - Japanese companies are stampeding to show off decarbonization plans at a flagship annual tech trade show, in a sign of growing pressure on them to take global warming seriously. With the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or COP26, coming up at the end of this month, the latest technologies are growing in appeal.

The annual tech expo officially kicked off on Tuesday. Over 300 companies are showcasing their latest products and services during the next four days. Due to COVID-19, the expo is being held completely online for the second year in a row.

Many participating companies have taken the online platform as an opportunity to introduce green initiatives, especially those related to carbon neutrality.

Takenaka Corp., a major Japanese contractor that has been around since 1610, is offering a glimpse into its decarbonization efforts, which focus on hydrogen.

In a video, Takenaka explained its hydrogen energy demonstration tests and said it is ready to use what it has learned to expand its business.

The company seeks to help clients efficiently manage their energy consumption by installing compact hydrogen stations or dispensers in buildings in urban areas.

Toshiba, Sharp and other big brands are presenting technologies that can support the transition to renewable energy.

Toshiba is displaying next-generation solar cells, including a polymer film-based perovskite solar module. President and CEO Satoshi Tsunakawa said during an opening event that the panel's "flexibility and lightweight design make it possible for the module to be used in new locations like office building windows and roofs with weak strength." It boasts a 15.1% power conversion rate.

Sharp promoted its self-consumption business, a service that allows consumers to generate their own energy. In an effort to accelerate the use of renewables, the electronics maker will install solar power systems with no initial investment cost on newly built homes and large factories.

Huawei Japan showcased iSitePower, a solar and battery system meant to bring electricity to remote areas. It also introduced a small-scale hybrid power solution designed for homes, stores and other spaces that lack access to commercial or stable power supplies. The system functions as an uninterruptible power supply.

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