Reduction of Environmental Impact in Plants: Takefu Plant

Takefu Plant uses electricity as its main energy source. As the production of its main product, rare earth magnets, has increased, the amount of electricity required has also increased. However, by continuously improving its manufacturing processes and implementing energy-saving measures, the plant is working to promote energy conservation (an average annual reduction of 1% in terms of production intensity) and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (a reduction of 45% in terms of production intensity compared to 1990 levels by FY2025).

At Asahi Plant, heat-shielding paint, developed specifically for heat dissipation, was applied to some of the roofs of the buildings to keep inside relatively cool.

When the temperature of the roof was measured in the summer, the heat-shielding paint prevented the temperature rise to around 40 degrees Celsius^* even in midsummer, unlike conventional paint. Preventing heat build-up inside the building reduced the load on the air conditioning equipment, resulting in energy savings.

At Shin-Etsu Magnetics Philippines, Inc., which is a production plant for rare earth magnets, solar panels with a generating capacity of approximately 1,200 kW were installed and began operation in June 2023. They are expected to generate about 1,500 MWh of electricity per year, resulting in an annual reduction of 1,026 tons of CO₂ emission.

In Japan, Takefu Plant has installed solar panels with a power generation capacity of 137 kW, which are expected to generate 125 MWh of electricity per year, resulting in an annual reduction of 62 tons of CO₂^* emission.

Every year in late May, we clean the Oshozu River that flows along the west side of Takefu Plant. Employees at the plant use shovels and other equipment to scoop up and remove the naturally occurring algae from the river bottom. This activity is intended to make all employees understand the importance of achieving environmental harmony with the local community where the plant is located.