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- 08:30Arrive at work
After checking my email, I reconfirm the details of the equipment that I had been considering as of yesterday.09:00Web conference after new equipment reviewI estimate the overall efficiency if the equipment is exchanged. Following that, I have a web-based meeting with the manufacturer's representative.12:00LunchHave lunch at the company cafeteria followed by a break.13:00Maintenance arrangementSummarize the estimates made in the morning in a document.15:00Meeting with supervisorConsult supervisor about the discussions had with the manufacturer and revise materials based on their feedback.17:00Return home
INTERVIEW
Technology Development Group
Gifuto Kumada
The Technology Development Group to which I belong is responsible for examining the introduction of new technologies and equipment, and implementing them in cases where it has been judged that they should be introduced. Thus far, the main considerations have been the introduction of equipment that can generate electricity more efficiently using less fuel and technologies that can improve maintainability. In recent years, however, the major proposition of contributing to carbon neutrality has been added to the mix. In fact, several years ago, the plant switched its fuel source from heavy oil to city gas, which has a lower environmental impact. It is also introducing a gas turbine in 2020 to reduce CO2 emissions. In the future, when renewing facilities, power generation equipment should be fundamentally replaced so as to emit as little CO2 as possible. We are embracing the challenge of introducing these CO2 reduction measures in all kinds of situations other than in power generation facilities. One such example is the study that I am in charge of for a drying facility that will allow the sludge deposited during the production of demineralized water at our power plant to be disposed of as industrial waste.
I predict that the role I play will eventually yield great results.
The sludge used to be dried through burning, but now the steam generated by the power plant is used to dry it. New equipment must be installed to realize this treatment method, which will lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. Therefore, we started with a basic technical study, selected an equipment manufacturer, conducted a specific technical study with the manufacturer, and progressed through the stages of simulation using sample sludge. Initially, the senior staff members took the lead, but now I have been entrusted with a significant portion of the work. In addition to that, I am involved in studying how to introduce a new gas turbine.
I only joined the company last year, and I have yet to complete even a single technology implementation. However, I know that when the current work is completed, CO2 emissions will be able to be reduced by a certain amount or that costs will be able to be cut by a certain amount, based on our calculations. Although this is a long initiative that has a long way to go, I fully anticipate the sense of accomplishment when the new facility is completed, and I am excited every time the work moves forward.
A small group of elite workers look after
the entire power generation facility,
which enables them to acquire a wide range of skills.
The power plant has approximately 80 members. This group of people is responsible for the operation and management of a huge variety of generators and their ancillary equipment, as well as studying the introduction of new technologies. As a result, the scope of each person's role is quite broad, and even though I have only been with the company for two years, I feel that I have been entrusted with important projects. Of course, it is essential to acquire the necessary skills. The training for young employees is good, and when I first joined the company, classroom lectures were like a continuation of college classes. Here, I was able to learn a number of fundamental skills that will be essential for my future work in facility studies, such as how to perform advanced heat content calculations. I am still being mentored by senior staff in many situations in my work, and I feel a sense of fulfillment that I am growing and developing while being constantly challenged. In addition to honing the technical skills necessary to operate power plants as described above, I intend to actively work on technologies to help bring about a carbon-neutral society.
- PROFILE
- （Gifuto Kumada）
- I majored in physics at the university's Faculty of Science. When I was job hunting, I was interested in energy-related industries and joined the company because I wanted to be involved in work that would contribute to solving the CO2 problem, which is a global concern.
I watch Antlers games at home
and am also the goalkeeper
for a working man’s team myself.I have always enjoyed soccer and am now a Kashima Antlers fan because of my wife, who is from Ibaraki Prefecture. I have season tickets to Kashima Stadium, so I go to most of the home games to support the team. A friend of mine also invited me to join a second division Ibaraki Prefecture working men's league team based in Moriya City, where I play the goalkeeper position. My wife is also the team manager, so when the team has a game on a holiday, we head to the game venue together as a couple.
