Introduction of renewable energy

In addition to installing solar power generation systems on building roofs at business sites, in factory premises, and in parking areas both inside and outside Japan, since FY2020, the Kyocera Group has been working to expand the scope of power use derived from renewable energy sources by introducing solar power generation systems on off-premises land through a self-consignment system^*1 and off-site PPAs^*2.

• Self-consignment system: A system where the power generated at company sites is supplied to other company sites via a power transmission and distribution network of an electric power provider
• PPA (Power Purchase Agreement): A power purchase agreement entered into between an electric power provider and specific users

[On-site] Installation of a solar power generation system

Introduction of Solar Power Generation Systems

[Off-site] Installation and use of solar power generation systems in Japan (self-consignment)

The Kyocera Group installs solar power generation systems on unused land and consolidates and bundles the renewable energy generated for transmission to factories and business sites on a self-consignment system.

[Off-site] Installation and use of solar power generation systems in Japan (PPA)

The Kyocera Group purchases surplus power generated by solar power generation systems installed in ZEH rental apartments operated by major rental housing companies, which is consolidated and bundled together to be transmitted to plants and business sites.

Promotion of energy-saving measures

Example of cutting-edge utility facility installation
Installation of exhaust heat recovery chillers

Exhaust heat recovery chillers have been installed in the air conditioning system at the Kyoto Ayabe Plant as part of energy conservation efforts. Exhaust heat recovery chillers use heat pump technology to recover low-temperature heat for use. The exhaust heat generated when cool water is produced for air conditioning is recovered, reducing the hot water load for air conditioning. These facilities are scheduled to be rolled out in stages across the Kyocera Group.

　CO₂ emissions reduction (estimated): 325 (t-CO₂/year)

Replacement with alternative CFC refrigerator equipment

Production and import of specified CFCs (HCFC) are regulated to protect the ozone layer, and the production of specified CFCs (HCFC) stopped in developed countries in 2020. As a result, we are replacing our air conditioning systems with alternative CFC refrigerants (HFC). For packaged air conditioners and chillers, 15-year-old equipment will be replaced by FY2025, and other equipment, including dryers and small chillers, will be replaced by FY2028.

　CO₂ emissions reduction (estimated): 12,300 (t-CO₂/year)

Update to LED

Since 2012, we have been replacing fluorescent lamps with LEDs, mainly in areas where energy-saving effects are significant. The plan is to replace all fluorescent lights, except for those in special areas such as explosion-proof areas, by FY2024, and to replace exterior lights, downlights, etc. with LEDs by FY2029.

　CO₂ emissions reduction (estimated): 2,200 (t-CO₂/year)

Example of energy visualization and efficiency improvements to production facilities

Progress is being made on visualizing the level of CO₂ emissions by segment, business division, department, and business site. By tracking targets and performance in a timely manner, Kyocera is looking to tie this data back to efforts seeking to reduce CO₂ emissions. In addition, Kyocera strives to efficiently reduce CO₂ emissions by promoting visualization efforts by production facilities and reducing equipment standby power consumption at sites with high CO₂ emission levels.

　CO₂ emissions reduction (estimated): 11,000 (t-CO₂/year)

Steps to move away from reliance on petroleum-based fuels (transition to natural gas, etc.) and steam (electrification/water humidification)

Kyocera's Kitami Plant in Hokkaido, Nyuzen Plant in Toyama Prefecture, and Sendai Plant in Kagoshima Prefecture are working to reduce CO₂ emissions by converting their production fuel from petroleum-based fuels to city gas or LNG (natural gas), which has a low CO₂ emission coefficient.

　CO₂ emissions reduction (estimated): 5,130 (t-CO₂/year)

Breakdown: {Hokkaido Kitami Plant: 160 （t-CO₂/year）、Toyama Nyuzen Plant: 1,870（t-CO₂/ year）、Kagoshima Sendai Plant: 3,100（t-CO₂/ year）}

Measures Addressing Damage from Natural Disasters

In addressing physical risks, the Kyocera Group takes the optimal approach to implementing countermeasures by ascertaining the potential for disasters to occur based on geographical considerations, which are addressed by installing water bars at each site, and by taking inundation height into account when positioning facilities that are being renewed or newly installed, among other measures.

Expansion of Energy Business

The Kyocera Group seeks to improve the rate of renewable energy use across the Kyocera Group while looking to branch out externally into the environmental management business and other areas by purchasing surplus power generated by homes, companies, and large-scale solar power plants, and coordinating and matching the supply and demand for renewable energy, while also utilizing this renewable energy in-house.