The Gunma Factory has switched to renewable energy sources for all its electricity use. Generated by the hydroelectricity facilities on the factory premises, this CO2-emissions-free renewable energy is produced and consumed locally. The electricity fees for the environmental added value (the increase in fees) will be utilized in future creation initiatives by Gunma Prefecture. The total amount of electricity switched over at the Gunma Factory was approximately 11.8 million kWh per year, and this initiative is projected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 5,000 tons. This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by approximately 360,000 cedar trees.
(A cedar tree absorbs approximately 14 kg of CO2 according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.)
To date, we achieved 100% renewable energy usage at both our Advantest America, Inc. (AAI) San Jose and Advantest Europe GmbH (AEG) Munich offices. With this power switchover, the renewable energy introduction rate for the entire group is expected to increase from 28% in 2019 to more than 50% in 2021.
We aim to achieve a renewable energy introduction rate of 60% or more by FY2030 and strive to build a carbon-free society. In addition to promoting the introduction of solar power systems and the deployment and expansion of renewable energy at our domestic business sites, we will encourage the introduction of renewable energy while considering its availability in each of the regions in our Asian bases. Furthermore, we plan to work together to reduce CO2 emissions in the supply chain as well.