Nissan has developed a stationary bio-ethanol-fuelled system for power generation as an alternative to fossil fuelled and nuclear plants. Nissan’s Tochigi Plant aims for full capacity by 2030.

Nissan was the first carmaker to run a solid oxide fuel cell vehicular propulsion system to run on bio-ethanol. Nissan’s SOFC is now being used on a larger scale for power generation on a wider market.

Those against the use of renewables cite a lack of infrastructure and the inability for current renewable sources to satisfy current energy needs. It is a moot point if the planet becomes so unstable that it can no longer support human civilisation.

The question then becomes one of being able to halt and reduce CO2 pollution caused by human activity.

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ABOVE: Nissan Bio-Ethanol Power Pant SOFC

Why SOFC is Useful

The SOFC system uses fuels like ethanol, natural gas, and LP gas. The high temperatures result in an efficiency of 70%, compared to 60% for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs).

The start-up and shutdown times are shortened so can quickly respond to sudden fluctuations in demand. This will enable effective SOFC system operation in conjunction with renewable energy. In other words, be part of a total solution

Raw sorghum bio-ethanol

The Bio-Ethanol Power Pant uses bio-ethanol produced from sorghum, in this case jointly developed with Binex Inc., Binex sorghum will commence from 2025.

The CO2 emitted during SOFC power generation is offset by the CO2 absorbed during the the growth process. This might be considered carbon neutral.

What is sorghum

It is a fast growing herbaceous plant (grass family) ready for harvest 3 months after planting, enabling multiple harvests every year when grown in suitable conditions.

These green fuel sources have attracted the attention of environmental organisations who point out that the land given over to bio fuels could be used for food production. In sorghum’s case, the stem is used as a raw material for ethanol and the grain is used for food, meaning that there is no competition with food production.
finally, the stem waste can then be used in biomass power generation.

Kazuhiko Murata, corporate vice president responsible for Powertrain Production Engineering and Development says: “There are major changes occurring in the transition from the internal combustion engine to electric vehicles. Nissan is taking up various technological development challenges in new areas, and SOFC power generation is one of our strengths. We will continue to contribute to the promotion of electrification and efforts toward carbon neutrality with Nissan-unique, innovative technologies.”

Nissan is committed to achieving carbon neutrality across the Company’s operations and product life cycle by 2050. Part of the commitment is to use electricity from renewable sources or that which is generated with onsite fuel cells that use alternative fuels.

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