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2025.02.17
Decarbonization: Power Semiconductors Fueling a Global Revolution in Energy Efficiency
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- Decarbonization: Power Semiconductors Fueling a Global Revolution in Energy Efficiency
As the world navigates scorching heat waves, a stark reminder of our warming planet, the urgency for decarbonization has never been greater. Facing this pressing need, power semiconductors—crucial components that regulate electrical power—are emerging as a pivotal technology in the race to achieve net zero emissions.
"About half of the world’s electricity goes into powering electric motors. By integrating advanced power semiconductors, we’re on the verge of a major breakthrough. These innovations could boost the energy efficiency of electric motors across diverse industries, and this will lead to a significant drop in CO2 emissions from power generation," explains Toru Iwagami, Corporate Executive and Senior General Manager of Power Device Works at Mitsubishi Electric.
As industries ramp up their decarbonization efforts, the role of consumers becomes equally crucial. While technological advancements open the way to new approaches, the path forward is contingent upon a fundamental shift in both consumer awareness and behavior toward more sustainable practices.
To delve deeper into these shifts, we hosted a discussion between Yuriko Chikusa, a leading voice on decarbonization, alongside Mr. Iwagami. Their dialogue sheds light on various facets of decarbonization, highlighting how innovative technologies and informed consumer choices are essential in shaping a sustainable future.
Yuriko Chikusa, a weather forecaster advocating decarbonization efforts (left), alongside Toru Iwagami, Corporate Executive and Senior General Manager of Power Device Works at Mitsubishi Electric.
INDEX
Decarbonization Dilemma: Bridging the Gap Between Awareness and Action
Chikusa: As a weather forecaster reporting on decarbonization efforts, I approach this topic like painting on a blank canvas—starting with the base layers to help people understand global warming, and then gradually adding in the finer details of actionable steps.
For instance, the weather in Fukuoka today is particularly hot, with temperatures rising to 36.3°C. Touching on this, I would start by explaining how these extreme conditions are linked to global warming and the impact of greenhouse gases. From there, I’d proceed to lay out the practical actions each of us can take to help cool things down.
Born in Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture, Yuriko Chikusa graduated from Hitotsubashi University, Faculty of Law. She initially entered the workforce as a corporate employee, however, after obtaining certification as a weather forecaster in 2013, took up a position at NHK Aomori. She went on to appear on TV Asahi’s "Super J Channel" (weekend editions) and TBS’ "THE TIME". Chikusa’s passion surrounding the topic of global warming has been a driving force in her life for over twenty years, ignited by a manga she read in elementary school. This interest led her to deliver numerous talks on climate change and extreme weather. In 2021, she pursued further studies by enrolling in a graduate program at the University of Tokyo, focusing on global warming and public opinion. In 2022, she openly shared her diagnosis of premature menopause at the age of 26, raising awareness about this important health issue which causes untreatable infertility in women.
Public awareness of climate change is undoubtedly growing, as evidenced by 89% of respondents to the Cabinet Office’s July 2023 "Public Opinion Survey on Climate Change" expressing concern about its effects. At the same time, a significant gap between awareness and action remains, with less than 30% of consumers opting for "climate-friendly" products or services from companies committed to combating global warming.
Iwagami: Why do you think such a gap exists?
Chikusa: I think there are a few factors, but it often comes down to higher costs and lack of clear information. Eco-friendly products tend to be more expensive, which can deter people. And there’s a real lack of clear, straightforward information about which products actually contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Iwagami: Right, understanding that greenhouse gases cause global warming is one thing, but knowing where they come from is another. If people aren’t clear on which products or services make a real difference, and how much difference they make, it’s tough for them to commit to change.
Chikusa: It’s often the case that information from governments or companies only provides the final touches, focusing on immediate solutions without fully elaborating on the underlying causes.
However, to truly empower people to take effective action towards reducing these emissions and supporting decarbonization efforts, it’s essential they understand both the root causes and the actionable solutions. That’s why, in my coverage of global warming, I aim to guide everyone to see the full picture, facilitating a basic understanding of global warming and the finer details of practical steps. To ensure my coverage remains insightful, I strive to expand my own knowledge on these complex topics.
Iwagami: That approach is absolutely crucial, and it’s something we fully embrace at Mitsubishi Electric. We’re not just offering solutions—we’re showing how and why they matter. For example, through our partnerships with KidZania Fukuoka* and the Fukuoka Prefecture government, we’ve set up fieldwork programs where junior and senior high school students can visit our Power Device Works, allowing them to see firsthand how electric motors function and how crucial technologies like power semiconductors are.
*An interactive theme park where children can engage in hands-on job experiences. With locations worldwide, KidZania allows kids to explore and role-play various professions. In Japan, there are three locations: Tokyo, Hyogo (Koshien), and Fukuoka.
It’s encouraging to see the increasing awareness of decarbonization among young people, especially those about to start their careers, who are genuinely eager to make a difference. By engaging these younger generations, we hope to deepen the public’s understanding of decarbonization.
Born in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Toru Iwagami graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at Kumamoto University. After his studies, he began his career at Mitsubishi Electric, where he focused on the design and development of power semiconductor products. His work has spanned several markets, including home appliances (e.g. air conditioners) and automotive applications, and he has played a pivotal role in strategic planning for the power device business. On April 1, 2022, Iwagami was appointed as the Senior General Manager of Power Device Works, a role in which he oversees the management of the power semiconductor business. He lives by the motto, "Always be positive, embrace gratitude, and forge the future." Outside of his professional life, his hobbies include golf, reading, and traveling.
Chikusa: That’s truly inspiring, and it’s efforts like these that really help turn awareness into concrete action.
In our daily lives, some of the biggest moves we can take to cut down greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy choices we make at home. Among these, switching to renewable energy, installing solar panels, and adopting electric vehicles (EVs) stand out as particularly impactful.
I see EVs as a key force for achieving our decarbonization goals. Sure, there are challenges like building out solid charging infrastructure, but the benefits are undeniable. EVs still emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases over their lifetime compared to traditional gasoline or diesel cars. Plus, their ability to serve as energy storage systems further adds to their environmental benefits.
Setting environmental benefits aside for a moment, buying a car is a big deal—it’s a major investment and takes a lot of thought, especially for many families. That’s why it’s so important to foster an environment where our day-to-day choices are informed by sustainability considerations.
If we can make climate-friendly products more accessible in our everyday routines, whether picking up groceries or shopping for other household goods, then consumers might find themselves more inclined to consider larger purchases like EVs or solar panels along similar lines.
Charging Ahead: The Critical Role of Power Semiconductors in EVs
Iwagami: You’re absolutely right about the daily choices we make—they’re all around us. Not only do we decide which home appliances to use, but also how to use them. Whether you select a refrigerator, air conditioner, or washing machine based on energy characteristics, or set your computer and lights to energy-saving mode, these are all practical actions capable of influencing decarbonization.
At Mitsubishi Electric, we’re focused on developing and manufacturing power semiconductors for use not only in these appliances but also mobility solutions, infrastructure, and industrial machinery. These tiny components are indispensable to reducing power consumption and, in turn, aiding decarbonization.
A silicon wafer embedded with power semiconductor chips, developed at Mitsubishi Electric’s Power Device Works.
Chikusa: That’s fascinating, especially since I’ve heard that power semiconductors are essential for EVs. I know there are different kinds of semiconductors, but I’m curious—what specifically sets power semiconductors apart from the others?
Iwagami: In the semiconductor world, we generally talk about two main categories: digital and analog.
Digital semiconductors, which you’ll find in devices like PCs and smartphones, act as the brain of these devices, processing data—just zeros and ones—at very high speeds. The common types are logic chips and memory chips.
Analog semiconductors, on the other hand, handle continuous real-world signals like sound, light, and temperature. Power semiconductors are a type of analog semiconductor. Their job is to control power, and they are also where our focus lies at Mitsubishi Electric. Power semiconductors are perfect for anything with a motor because they manage high voltages and currents with ease.
Chikusa: That’s very interesting. With EVs relying heavily on batteries and electric motors, I suppose they need these power semiconductors to function properly?
Iwagami: That’s correct. One of the challenges with power semiconductors is the unavoidable energy loss during the power regulation process, which leads to excess power consumption. This is an urgent issue, especially since much of Japan’s power still comes from fossil fuels. Any excess power consumption translates directly into higher greenhouse gas emissions.
At the same time, this is exactly where the importance of advancing power semiconductor technology lies. By boosting their efficiency, we can significantly reduce energy consumption, which will be a huge leap forward in achieving our decarbonization goals.
Considering that electric motors, which often rely on power semiconductors and are used across various industries, are said to account for around 40–50% of global electricity use, improving the efficiency of power semiconductors would have a profound impact on society’s overall energy consumption.
Chikusa: It’s really eye-opening to realize just how much power electric motors use. It certain seems there’s great potential there for decarbonization efforts.
Iwagami: And maximizing that potential is why the semiconductor industry is placing so much focus on next-generation technologies like SiC power semiconductors.
Chikusa: SiC?
Iwagami: SiC, or silicon carbide, is a composite material used in power semiconductors, and it offers superior performance compared to traditional silicon-based ones. SiC power semiconductors can operate at higher voltages and temperatures with much less energy loss, and they’re also more durable.
At Mitsubishi Electric, we have been working on this technology since the early ’90s and have made significant strides in improving efficiency with SiC power semiconductors.
Cutting-edge SiC wafers embedded with power semiconductor chips.
Chikusa: How exactly do SiC power semiconductors reduce energy loss?
Iwagami: It’s all about material properties. While traditional silicon power semiconductors need to be quite thick to handle high voltages, SiC power semiconductors can withstand the same voltages at a much thinner size. This reduction in thickness lowers electrical resistance and, in turn, reduces heat generation. This results in much lower energy loss.
This property is especially beneficial for EVs, which operate at high voltages, and that’s why Tesla’s decision to use SiC power semiconductors in their vehicles really sparked so much interest in the industry. As EV usage continues to grow, the importance of our innovations will only increase.
Chikusa: I imagine that, given the rapid growth of the EV market, many companies are jumping into SiC power semiconductor manufacturing. What makes Mitsubishi Electric stand out in such a competitive space?
Iwagami: While it’s true that the basic equipment for manufacturing SiC power semiconductors is widely accessible, allowing many companies to venture into this field, producing high-quality semiconductors is a different challenge.
It requires extensive expertise and specialized technological know-how, something we’ve been building since 1958*, when we became the first company in Japan to manufacture power semiconductors for electric locomotives in the national railway system. Over the years, we’ve consistently integrated market feedback to refine and improve our products.
*Company records indicate Mitsubishi Electric began manufacturing power semiconductors in August 1958.
The performance of SiC power semiconductors can vary greatly based on the level of impurities and the precision of ion implantation during production, but our long-standing expertise in precise adjustments and our continuous experimentation enable us to consistently produce high-quality SiC power semiconductors.
Chikusa: It sounds a lot like culinary art—selecting the finest ingredients, perfecting the recipe, and refining the cooking techniques over the years. Your decades of expertise definitely seem to give you a strong competitive edge!
Innovating Infrastructure: Power Semiconductors as Catalysts for Energy Leapfrogging
Iwagami: At Mitsubishi Electric, we are addressing Japan’s energy challenges head-on with our innovative solutions.
Japan’s energy self-sufficiency rate is currently about 12%, making the country heavily reliant on imports. Our vision is to change this. We aim to establish energy security and simultaneously push forward with decarbonization.
We plan to generate clean electricity through solar and offshore wind power, efficiently transport it via high-voltage direct current transmission (HVDC) systems, then store it in utility battery storage systems as well as through hydrogen energy storage to ensure a stable supply. This energy will be applied across various sectors, from industrial machinery such as factory automation (FA) equipment to household air conditioning and EVs.
Ultimately, our goal is to bring Japan’s energy self-sufficiency rate close to 100%, and ideally reach the point where we can export surplus power.
Mitsubishi Electric’s role in achieving this vision lies in providing advanced power semiconductor technology to drive this transformation.
We also plan to expand our SiC power semiconductor technology globally to support global decarbonization efforts.
Chikusa: That’s a grand vision! It’s particularly relevant for emerging countries, where there’s a real opportunity to leapfrog*. Instead of building traditional energy infrastructure, they can jump straight to sustainable setups powered by renewable energy. SiC power semiconductors seem like they could play a central role in making that transition possible.
*Leapfrogging is the process by which a country bypasses the traditional stages of technological development, instead adopting the latest technologies or pursuing alternative approaches that utilize emerging technologies for enhanced benefits and new opportunities.
Iwagami: Absolutely. Many regions, especially in parts of Africa and some Asian countries, have not yet widely adopted power semiconductor technology. By introducing the latest power semiconductor technology in these areas, we have the opportunity to establish highly efficient energy systems in a single step.
At Mitsubishi Electric, we’re committed to promoting these next-generation technologies worldwide, with the aim of making a significant contribution to global decarbonization.
If we can help emerging countries bypass traditional, less efficient energy solutions and leap straight to these cutting-edge, energy-saving technologies, the shift towards a carbon-neutral world becomes much quicker and poignant.
That’s also the core of our mission at Mitsubishi Electric. We’re not just solving Japan’s energy challenges; we’re aiming to make a global impact.
*The information on this page is current as of September, 2024.
Layout: Ryoya Kaitatsu
Photography: Masashi Kuroha
Design: Kimie Tanaka
Editor: Akira Shimomoto
Translator: Xiaoye Li, Martin Triche
