Massive global demand for Japanese thermal power plants

Japanese manufacturers have increased exports to meet rising demand.

Industry sources said manufacturers received orders for facilities with a combined generating capacity of 20 million kilowatts. Demand is strongest for Japanese thermal equipment and systems in emerging Asian economies and in East Europe.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said there are about 15 orders from seven countries for Japanese thermal power plants. Coal-fired thermal power plants with a combined generating capacity of 270 million kilowatts are to be built in Asia and East Europe.

Japanese manufacturers have an edge over foreign rivals because of superior technology. The Japanese government is also supporting exports of coal-fired thermal power equipment and systems.

It plans to incorporate the policy of promoting such power in the country's growth strategy plan. About 40% of the world's electricity is generated from coal-fired thermal power. Coal power, however, produces about 1.5 times more carbon dioxide, which causes global warming, than LNG.