Wasabi Energy starts-up Kalina Cycle EcoGen unit at Japanese Hot Spring
Matsunoyama Onsen, Tokamachi, Niigata, Japan(source: Wikipedia, GNU Free Documentation License)
Alexander Richter
20 Feb 2012
Wasabi Energy announces that has designed and built a Kalina Cycle EcoGen Unit that was just started at the Masunoyama Onsen hot spring at Tokomachi, Niigata in Japan.
Announced today a Kalina Cycle EcoGen Unit has been started at a Japanese Hot Spring. “The unit was designed by Wasabi and it was built by the group’s licensed manufacturing partner in China. The unit’s are based on the miniaturisation of Wasabi’s patented Kalina Cycle technology.
The power plant harnesses low temperature (below 100 degrees) geothermal energy. It has been installed at the Matsunoyama Onsen hot spring at Tokamachi, Niigata in Japan.
“The Japanese government’s strategy to utilise abundant thermal energy from its hot springs to generate renewable power is very exciting,” chairman John Byrne said.
“Wasabi Energy has been working on the development of these Kalina Cycle® EcoGen units for a number of years in collaboration with our colleagues at GERD.
“The miniaturisation of Kalina Cycle® technology for the EcoGen units was made possible as a result of our engineering team making a number of important innovations, particularly in relation to the incorporation of next-generation micro-turbine technology.”
The installation is part of a Japanese state sponsored research and development project. Following the installation the plant was officially opened by Japan’s Senior Vice Minister of the Environment, Mr. Katsuhiko Yokomitsu.
The geothermal power produced by the Kalina Cycle® EcoGen unit will be utilised by the local area, Wasabi said.
Wasabi says the first EcoGen unit will undergo extended testing and commissioning. Subsequently a second unit will be installed and optimised.
“Recent events in Japan have demonstrated the increased importance of decentralised power generation.
“Japan has shown leadership in its efforts to diversify its power generation mix away from conventional sources such as coal and nuclear generation towards more sustainable sources.
“In addition to the existing geothermal capacity in Japan, along with GERD we see significant potential to support many businesses, municipalities and local communities to incorporate EcoGen units into local hot springs to provide a reliable and renewable source of electricity.”
“This plant is the fourth in Japan, following a demonstration plant by MITI in Fukuoka in 1998, there are two other Kalina Cycle® plants presently operating in Japan.
He adds: “The Kalina Cycle® technology is continuing to build momentum as an important technology for efficiently generating clean power.
“We continue to work with leading organisations across key global markets to ensure our cornerstone technology is understood, demonstrated and ultimately adopted on a large scale, globally. Wasabi Energy is leading the way in providing technology for a clean energy future.”
Source: Company releas via Proactive Investors
