Panasonic 2008 Annual Report Download - page 57

Fluorescent light fixture with the
brightness of two conventional
lamps in only one lamp
“eco ideas” Declaration
With three “eco ideas” in terms of energy-efficient products, manufacturing and extending environmental activities,
Matsushita is striving to promote environmental activities in order to contribute to coexistence with the global environment.
Household Fuel Cell
Cogeneration System
Inverter turbo chiller
Example 1: Fluorescent Light Fixture—Environmentally-conscious Lighting Fixture, “W Eco”
This 40W lighting fixture series combines a newly developed high-power 63W lamp and special inverter
to achieve the brightness of two conventional 40W lamps with only one lamp. Furthermore, the lamp
lasts much longer, reducing the number of lamps used to one-third in 10 years. Moreover, the special
inverter boosts an initial illuminance control function to prevent initial excess brightness, resulting in an
approximate 35% decrease in energy consumption, while maintaining a certain fixed level of brightness.
These environmental qualities earned the Minister Prize of Economy, Trade and Industry at the 18th
Energy Conservation Grand Prize in fiscal 2008.
Example 2: Household Fuel Cell Cogeneration System
Household fuel cell systems use electricity and heat generated from the chemical reaction of hydrogen
and oxygen to provide energy for households. While exhaust heat given off during generation at power
plants cannot be used effectively, heat generated by household fuel cells can be used to boil water.
These fuel cells are therefore attracting attention as new products that can make a significant contribu-
tion to efficient energy use and to the reduction of CO2 emissions from households.
In April 2008, Matsushita established a mass-production system with the aim of launching sales to
the general public in fiscal 2010. Matsushita has developed a cogeneration system that at this point
features both the world’s highest power-generating efficiency of more than 38% in the practical use
range and an expected lifetime of over 10 years. Thanks to these achievements, the system has cut
CO2 emissions by 12%* compared with energy sources used in ordinary homes.
As of March 31, 2008, there were approximately 300 household fuel cell systems in operation. The
first commercial household fuel cell system was installed in the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in
February 2005.
* Matsushita estimate, CO2 emission coefficient is the average level for all conventional energy sources in Japan.
The reduction rate is 37% in terms of the New Energy Foundation’s estimate (CO2 emission coefficient from
thermal power generation).
Example 1: Reducing CO2 Emissions Via Innovations in Energy Supply Systems
The Tonami Plant of Matsushita’s Semiconductor Company in Japan consumes large amounts of
energy in its 24-hour, year-round operations. For this reason, the plant has endeavored to achieve
highly efficient energy use through the installation of an LPG-fueled cogeneration system when it was
first built. However, due to a drop in efficiency as the equipment has aged over many years of use, the
plant undertook a fundamental review of its energy supply system. The main initiatives were to develop
and install a new system that provides instant power in the event of a power failure and introduce a
highly efficient inverter turbo chiller. The adoption of these new systems has ensured a stable supply of
electricity and also yielded an annual 26,000-ton reduction in CO2 emissions. These initiatives were
recognized with the fiscal 2008 Director General Prize of Agency of Natural Resources and Energy at
Awarding of Successful Case of Energy Conservation in Factory & Building.
“eco ideas” for Products We will produce energy-efficient products.
Matsushita will increase the number of products that lead the industry in terms of energy efficiency
while eliminating products with lower energy efficiency than the industry average.
“eco ideas” for Manufacturing We will reduce CO2 emissions
Matsushita will reduce CO2 emissions in all manufacturing processes, extending from product planning
through production, sales and recycling.
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 2008 55