Working towards a climate-neutral EU by 2050
To help power a sustainable, low-carbon world, we’ve created a new generation of robust systems and solutions that reduce energy costs, CO2 emissions and power-losses.
More than one-tenth of the world’s population lacks access to electricity, yet energy is the main contributor to climate change. Societies must therefore increase their energy production and distribution while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
It’s a challenge implicit in United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
To help society deliver this goal, we’re committed to creating ‘outstanding energy-saving products, systems, services and renewable energy businesses’. It’s part of our Environmental Sustainability Vision 2050.
Power semiconductors and the European Green Deal
European legislation is helping to speed the EU towards energy security and sustainability. The European Green Deal aims to deliver a climate-neutral EU by 2050.
Meanwhile, the REPowerEU Plan proposes to further increase the role of renewables in the EU’s 2030 target energy source mix from the current 40% to 45%. And the ‘Fit for 55’ package pledges to achieve 55% CO2 emission reductions compared to 1990 levels.
The energy sector currently produces 75% of all EU greenhouse gas emissions. To decarbonise it, improved energy-efficiency is a priority – along with greatly increased use of renewables in transport, industry, buildings and other areas.
Our power semiconductors are helping to support the global shift towards more efficient energy solutions. They are embedded in systems for renewables, from wind energy to photovoltaic. They’re also a key component in today’s electric vehicles.
In fact, they can be found wherever electricity is converted, distributed or controlled – from low power applications, such as washing machines, to passenger trains that carry hundreds of people daily.
We will continue to work hard as part of the wider effort to help deliver climate-neutrality and support the European Green Deal.
I want to make power
semiconductors more
exciting to
the next generation of female engineers.
I want to make power
semiconductors more
exciting to
the next generation of female engineers.
Semiconductors are the unsung heroes in our everyday lives. They’re critical to how we power the world around us, but they’re not the most visible or well-known technology. I want to help change that.
Shiori Idaka
Head of Research Cooperation Centre, Germany
Leveraging our expertise to meet energy-efficiency needs
We’ve been a leader in the power semiconductor field for over 60 years, creating highly reliable products with low power losses that help reduce CO2 emissions. By constantly pioneering innovation, the wide range of Mitsubishi Electric power semiconductors addresses applications ranging from renewable energy generation to its efficient use in various sectors such as transportation, industry and home appliances.
Reducing power-loss up to 90%
Our power semiconductor devices help conserve energy in a vast range of power electronics equipment. However, with global energy-saving regulations becoming more stringent, industries are looking for devices that will limit power-loss even further.
So we’ve used silicon carbide to create an inverter that reduces power-loss up to 90 percent compared to silicon.
It’s a major advance. And one that will help societies meet the growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy.
Empowering facts
Ensuring a stable power supply
As the world develops more sustainable energy sources, societies will need to depend on high-quality, stable power supplies.
Our power transmission products and systems include high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. By enabling the efficient expansion of renewable energies such as photovoltaic and wind power, HVDC is expected to help reduce CO2 emissions.
It delivers stable power with very low losses over long distances. A critical factor when connecting, for example, wind farms in the North Sea to onshore power grids in Europe.
A smart grid that supports renewables
Sustainable societies will need next-generation power grids that are both economic and dependable.
That’s why we’ve created a smart grid infrastructure that can intelligently balance supply and demand, managing and distributing the growing volume of renewable energy connected to the network.
To ensure all citizens worldwide can access clean energy, we’ve also developed technologies for independent micro-grids that can serve islands and poorly connected regions. Providing a better quality of life for everyone.
