Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.
February 16, 2010
Saskatchewan, Canada, February 16, 2010- Saskatchewan Power Corporation ("SaskPower") and Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT/TSE: 6501, "Hitachi") today announced that they have agreed to collaborate on the advancement and implementation of technology in the fields of Low-Carbon Energy technologies including Carbon Capture and Storage(CCS), AQCS (Air Quality Control System), Boiler and Steam Turbine Generators, while Hitachi Canada Ltd. ("Hitachi Canada"), subsidiary of Hitachi, has been selected to supply the steam turbine for the SaskPower Boundary Dam Integrated Carbon Capture and Sequestration Demonstration Project. One of the world's first and largest carbon capture projects, it may determine the technical, economic and environmental performance of carbon capture and storage technology.
"Extending back 40 years, SaskPower's relationship with Hitachi includes work on a variety of generation facilities, including coal, natural gas and wind. Carbon capture and storage can now be added to that list," said Bill Boyd, Minister responsible for SaskPower. "With changing technology, environmental responsibility and an ever-increasing demand for power, Hitachi has been our partner every step of the way and with the support of Hitachi, SaskPower is leading the development of one of the world's first and largest carbon capture project."
"Hitachi Canadian Industries Ltd. was established in Saskatoon in 1988 as a result of the work between SaskPower and Hitachi, and some of the work on this steam turbine will take place there. It is a reflection on the innovative spirit of our province that work on this world-leading project will be done in Saskatchewan by Saskatchewan people."
The Boundary Dam Integrated Carbon Capture and Sequestration Demonstration Project will transform the aging Unit 3 at Boundary Dam Power Station near Estevan into a reliable, long-term producer of clean baseload electricity, while enhancing provincial oil production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project is also good for the Saskatchewan economy – it will result in capital investment, increased royalty revenues from coal and petroleum production and innovative employment opportunities by extending the life of the coal-fired generating unit for another 30 years.
In 2009 SaskPower invited vendors from around the world to participate in a two-stage procurement process. The first stage was used to identify the most promising proposals, with more detailed proposals developed during the second stage. Hitachi Canada was selected following the evaluation process.
"This is an important development for SaskPower and the entire industry because it is expected to be the first steam turbine in the world designed to fully integrate a coal-fired power plant with carbon capture," said Mike Monea, vice-president, Integrated Carbon Capture and Sequestration, SaskPower. "It is also another important step as we develop our business case for this project."
"Innovative partnerships between utilities and technology suppliers are critical to the successful commercialization of low carbon energy options. Based on our forty plus year relationship Hitachi can think of no better partner in this regard than SaskPower," said Howard Shearer, CEO of Hitachi Canada. "The Boundary Dam Project and the longer term strategic alliance formed under the recently signed collaboration agreement will allow us to jointly develop and deliver the next wave of clean energy technologies to the people of Saskatchewan and beyond."
The bond between SaskPower and Hitachi was strengthened earlier this month with the signing of a collaboration agreement on low-carbon energy projects during Minister Boyd's government investment mission to China and Japan. "The steam turbine supply for carbon capture at Boundary Dam demonstrates Hitachi's contribution to the low-carbon society and builds on the spirit of the collaboration agreement," said Hitoshi Isa, Vice President and Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer of Thermal Power Systems, Power Systems Company, Hitachi. "SaskPower and Hitachi will enhance further their long relationship by working together in the field of low-carbon technology."
That agreement will promote cooperation to shorten the path from demonstration project, called Saskatchewan Reference Facility for CCS, which expects funding from Saskatchewan province and federal government, to commercially viable operation, and ensure the development of new technology at a lower cost.
As the principal supplier of electricity in Saskatchewan, SaskPower is a provincial Crown corporation that serves more than 467,000 customers and manages $4.5 billion in assets. We have a team of over 2,600 permanent full-time employees located in 71 communities. Our company operates three coal-fired power stations, seven hydroelectric stations, four natural gas stations and two wind facilities, with a total available generation capacity of 3,840 MW. We maintain more than 157,000 kilometres of power lines, 56 high voltage switching stations and 184 distribution substations.
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 400,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2008 (ended March 31, 2009) consolidated revenues totaled 10,000 billion yen ($102.0 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials, logistics and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.
