Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Japan aims to bury greenhouse gas emissions
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Japan aims to bury greenhouse gas emissions
AFP - Monday, November 2
Send
IM Story
Print
Japan aims to bury greenhouse gas emissions
OMUTA, Japan (AFP) - – Swathes of dirty clouds brood over a coal plant in rural Japan, but scientists are now hoping to send the pollutants the other way, deep into the bowels of Mother Earth.
The cutting-edge but controversial technology of carbon capture and storage (CCS) is being tested at the Mikawa power station, located near the coast of Japan's southern Fukuoka prefecture.
Toshiba Corp. has chosen it as a pilot site for a technology it sees as a necessary complement to renewable energies such as wind and solar in the battle to cut industrial emissions blamed for global warming.
"There is no silver bullet" to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, said Toshiba engineer Kensuke Suzuki during a tour of the plant, about 900 kilometres (560 miles) southwest of Tokyo.
"Solar energy will not solve all the problems, and you can't just switch from coal to nuclear. You need to find a way to balance the reduction of emissions."
With worldwide coal use projected to rise in coming decades, especially in China and India, proponents of the technique say it can help fight climate change that is melting ice caps and threatening eco-systems.
"CCS will be the only technology to reduce emissions on a grand scale," said Shigeo Murai, who heads a study group on storing carbon dioxide, or CO2, at Japan's Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth.
"At the same time it won't be able to reduce overall emissions on its own. It will need help from solar and wind power."
Last month the six-storey Toshiba trial plant began trapping 10 tonnes of CO2 from flue gas, which is created when coal is burnt to make electricity.
In what is called the post-combustion method, the gas is pumped into a boiler which mixes it with amines and other liquid solvents. Subjected to high and low temperatures, the CO2 is then separated and compressed into a liquid.
The next step, still in the future in Japan, would be to pump the mixture deep underground -- into a geological formation, a depleted oil reservoir or a saline field -- and lock it far away from the atmosphere.
Although Toshiba's pilot plant captures only 10 percent of the emissions and has yet to find a way to store the CO2, it says the technique promises to eventually trap up to 90 percent of the pollutants.
Many question marks still hover over the technology, which is slowly unfolding around the world. Five large-scale integrated CCS projects are now operating in North America, Europe and North Africa.
Environmentalists warn that the CO2 could seep out, and some geologists worry that it could erupt to the surface or even trigger minor earthquakes.
Greenpeace labels it a "dangerous gamble" in a recent report, warning that large-scale projects "pose significant risks including negative health effects and damage to ecosystems (and) groundwater contamination."
There is also concern among green groups that CCS technology could give a new lease of life to fossil fuel use at a time when the world should quickly move on to cleaner energies.
Both critics and proponents say CCS could even boost fossil fuel use by helping to "flush out" hard-to-reach oil or methane deposits.
Toshiba experts say that in the so-called Enhanced Oil Recovery system, CO2 would be injected into semi-depleted oil fields and help release remaining oil pockets by acting "like turpentine on hardened paint."
Then there is the question of cost.
A plant fitted with CCS burns up to 40 percent more energy and faces 60 percent more in costs than an ordinary plant, energy experts say.
For consumers, that translates into adding up to 65 dollars per tonne of CO2 to the cost of electricity, according to a report compiled by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change based near Washington.
But Japan is aiming to drive down costs to 2,000 yen (22 dollars) a tonne by 2015 and to 1,000 yen by 2020 -- levels competitive with other types of green energy, according to a government report.
Toshiba, which also entered the solar energy market this year, aims to market CCS technology by 2015 and eyes revenues worth 100 billion yen by 2020.
Other Japanese companies have also joined the race, spurred in part by a Group of Eight developed nations pledge made in Japan last year to start 20 major CCS projects by 2010 and over 3,000 by 2050.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has conducted CCS-related research on a liquid natural gas power station in western Osaka prefecture, a steelworks plant outside Tokyo and a coal power station in northern Nagano.
Japan's biggest coal user, J-Power, teamed up with IHI Corp and Mitsui to build a CCS plant in Australia to capture about 10 to 15 percent, or 100,000 tonnes, of the 30-megawatt plant's total emissions.
Japan may be spearheading CCS projects, but the efforts are mostly for export. The technology is unlikely to be used widely at home, experts say, because Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
North Korea calls for direct talks with U.S Reuters - Monday, November 2
Rescue under way after boat sinks off Australia AP - Monday, November 2
Afghan's Karzai effectively handed 2nd term AP - Monday, November 2
Pakistan security forces kill at least 7 militants AP - Monday, November 2
Japan aims to bury greenhouse gas emissions AFP - Monday, November 2
News Search
Top Stories
British govt in new bailout to troubled banks: reports
US lender CIT files for bankruptcy
Israel delays expulsion of 1,200 children of foreign workers
Employment turnaround likely at start of 2010: Geithner
Putin tells EU of risk to gas supply via Ukraine: reports
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Somali centenarian weds 17-year-old
US stocks slide ahead of Fed rate decision, jobless data
Arise, Sir Dracula! Christopher Lee knighted
Hamilton seizes pole in Abu Dhabi GP
Iceland lifts capital controls as crisis eases
More Most Viewed »
Mobile phone giant Nokia sues Apple over patents
Huge dinosaur find in China 'may include new species'
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Monday, 2 November 2009 Ten killed as Iraq hit by new spate of bombings
Italian police arrest fugitive mafia brothers
Gulf single currency may face delay: bank chief
Sudanese register for first free vote in 24 years
Israel holds Jewish settler accused of killing Arabs
Honduran opposition leader key to ending conflict
| International
|
Iran police to confront "illegal" November 4 rallies
Kosovo hails ex-president Clinton, unveils his statue
| International
|
Dozens killed in Somali fighting: rights group
| International
|
Saudis find arms cache linked to August arrests
Sudanese register for first free vote in 24 years
| International
|
Frustrated in Iraq, U.S. troops eye Afghan action
Iraq polls 'at risk' without vote details
Obama community college proposal may not be enough
Med, nursing schools teaching alternative remedies
Analysis: With few options, US accepts Karzai
Govt says swine flu vaccine catching up to demand
Geithner: Economy rebounding, but job growth lags
Seattle police say officer killed in shooting
Pakistan's capital now resembles besieged city
White House: Afghan troop decision within weeks
Protectionism a threat to recovery: Chinese official
Afghan challenger drops out of runoff election
Limbaugh calls Obama 'immature, inexperienced'
Acid ship 'sinks in China's Yangtze'
Iran warns of crackdown on any opposition protest
Pakistan zeroes in on major Taliban bases
Flex spending accounts face hit in health overhaul
Thai police arrest two people in stock rumour probe
China stamp fetches record price
Pakistan hopes to rout Taliban by late December
S.Lanka seek to stop US quzzing general over war
Michael Jackson film dances to No. 1 worldwide
| Entertainment
|
Truck, pilgrim bus collide, killing 8 in Indonesia
Honor Student Shot Dead Outside Of Homecoming Football Game
Suspect In Baghdad Bombing Killed After Struggle With Interrogators
Temporary 9/11 Memorial set On Fire
Seattle Police Officer Shot And Killed
White House Releases Visitor's List
Police Launch Manhunt For Convicted Rapist After Six Bodies Found In Home
U.S. Troops To Be Stationed In Colombian Bases
Economic High Points And Low Points For Week
VIX Rises 20 Percent On U.S. Market Worries
Federal Investigation: Results In On Drywall Chemicals, But Implications Still Uncertain
Russian envoy says Miliband visit chance to 'reset' ties
Karzai rival Abdullah quits Afghan run-off
| International
|
British govt in new bailout to troubled banks: reports
US lender CIT files for bankruptcy
Iran wants U.N. fuel plan reviewed
| International
|
Israel delays expulsion of 1,200 children of foreign workers
At least 15 killed in Rawalpindi blast: police
| International
|
Kosovo hails ex-president Clinton, unveils statue in his honor
| International
|
Norwegian warship in sea-battle off Somali coast: EU
Employment turnaround likely at start of 2010: Geithner
Miliband in Russia to thaw ties
Putin tells EU of risk to gas supply via Ukraine: reports
Italian police arrest fugitive mafia brothers
Taiwan president safe after smoke pours from plane
| International
|
Boat with 40 people sinks near remote Cocos Islands
| International
|
Iran frees two Karoubi allies on bail: media
| International
|
Hawaii celebrates canonization of first saint
Texas vets reunite with Japanese-American rescuers
Bay Bridge won't be open for Monday morning drive
NH restaurant sets meatball record
Mexico reaches record of 100 extraditions to US
North Korea calls for direct talks with U.S
Rescue under way after boat sinks off Australia
New York City Marathon Sees First American Win In Two Decades
Afghan's Karzai effectively handed 2nd term
Pakistan security forces kill at least 7 militants
Police: NJ mom stabbed son, self over custody fear
Japan aims to bury greenhouse gas emissions
China vaccinates over 3.7 million for swine flu
Hundreds of foreign militants on run: Pakistan army
Boat with 40 people sinks near remote Cocos Islands
Philly transit talks postponed until Monday
Mexico extradites 11 fugitives to US
Over 20 feared dead as boat sinks off Australia
GOP ex-candidate endorses Democrat in NY race
Already the main Afghan war hub, Bagram is growing
Aliens target Earth again in "V" revival
No eternity with Marilyn Monroe as crypt auction fails again
| Entertainment
|
S.Korean display makers plan $6.9 bln capex in 2010
Scandal does not hurt David Letterman's ratings
| Entertainment
|
Mel Gibson and girlfriend welcome a baby girl: media
| Entertainment
|
Transsexual Miss World contest aims to boost awareness
New Zealand growth to quicken in H2
Seoul shares fall 1 pct; Hyosung up on Hynix news
S.Korea manufacturing growth slows in Oct
Jackson tragedy begets cinematic triumph
| Entertainment
|
S.Korea T-bonds rally on weak shares, U.S. woes
Berlin Wall resurrected in Los Angeles
Seoul shares open 2.4 pct lower on U.S. jitters
UK singer Cheryl Cole scores chart double
Calle 13, Luis Fonsi set for Latin Grammy awards
Jackson tragedy begets cinematic triumph
Aliens target Earth again in V revival
| Entertainment
|
Calle 13, Luis Fonsi set for Latin Grammy awards
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' thrills movie-goers
HBO filmmakers get inside Obama campaign
UK singer Cheryl Cole scores chart double
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson film dances to No. 1 worldwide
Qatari firm in talks to make Prophet Mohammad film
Iran wants new nuclear fuel talks, deepening doubts
S.Korea seeks Chinese help to track cyber attacks
Scientists map genome of pig
US-TECH Summary
Hit streaming service Spotify eyes U.S. music fans
Bomb blast in Pakistan's Rawalpindi kills 35
| International
|
Nepal cabinet to meet on Everest: minister
Karadzic to appear in war crime court
| International
|
Global crisis hitting IT spending: Microsoft chief
Analysis: Iran in no hurry to cut nuclear deal
Karzai declared Afghan vote winner
Europe probe tracks global warming impact on water
Arab states disappointed with U.S.-Israeli talks
| International
|
Iran wants new nuclear fuel talks
| International
|
China slams U.S. for sending Uighurs to Palau
| International
|
Slumdog stars 'may lose allowance' for skipping school
Al Qaeda calls for home-made bomb attacks in West
| International
|
Civilian deaths in Iraq jump higher in October
| International
|
Recovering Thai king appears in public again
| International
|
Crisis has not halted migration hope of poor: Gallup
| International
|
Taiwan president safe following flight incident
Hit streaming service Spotify eyes U.S. music fans
| Technology
|
15 feared dead as boat sinks off Australia
Malaysia state helps jaded couples beat the blues
Scientists decode DNA of pig, a research favorite
Tribes claim wind farm would destroy sacred ritual
Obama to meet with economic board, Swedish PM
Massive fire blazes on leaking Australian oil rig
Murder trial to begin in Ark. TV anchor's death
Blast kills 35 in Pakistan's Rawalpindi
Audit: KBR must trim Iraq work force or face fines
Cheney FBI interview: 72 instances of can't recall
China protest halts Bangladesh Tibet exhibition
Bombing outside bank kills at least 20 in Pakistan
Focus falls on cause of collision off Calif. coast
Blast near Pakistan's capital kills at least 20
China chief says space arms inevitable: state media
Taxing the rich
Suicide bomber kills 34 outside Pakistan hotel
Health care plan hits rich with big tax increases
Trio of Japanese automakers lift forecasts
Shen Wei: Top China modern dance group takes time
Elton John aims for return to stage after illness
| Entertainment
|
Palestinian film, Team Qatar win Doha festival prizes
Bridgestone to quit F1 in late 2010
East of the Iron Curtain, humour helped society cope
Sands looks to raise $2.5B with Hong Kong IPO
Corruption dispute flares in Indonesia
Michael Jackson film dances to No. 1 worldwide
| Entertainment
|
Indonesian inflation up 2.57% in October
"Twilight" sequel soundtrack hopes to make killing
Twilight sequel soundtrack hopes to make killing
| Entertainment
|
China start-up stocks plunge on profit-taking
Military 'terps' head to war to win peace -- and visas
Arab filmmakers struggle for funds as industry grows
| Entertainment
|
Driver-less car in high-speed rally assault
Seoul shares fall 1.4 pct; Hyundai Motor tumbles
S.Korea c.bank to collect $1.2 bln in FX loans
Suzuki Motor profit down 63.4 pct in first half
Scandal does not hurt David Letterman's ratings
German child-care subsidy sparks nursery spat
Thai inflation rises for first time in 2009: govt
Indian Kashmir starts safaris as violence falls
No eternity with Marilyn Monroe as crypt auction fails again
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights