MHI to Support Manitoba in Establishing Low-carbon Society:

The MOU was signed by Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba, and Ichiro Fukue, Senior Executive Vice President of MHI, in Winnipeg, the provincial capital.

Based on the agreement, the two parties will initially study the electrification of transportation and recharging infrastructure projects incorporating MHI's electric-driven power train technologies, including lithium-ion secondary batteries, as well as broader use of heat-pumps that provide remarkable energy-saving features. Through these activities, MHI will help Manitoba explore effective utilization of its abundant natural energy sources.

Manitoba, which is situated in Canada's heartland, has a population of more than 1.23 million (2010) and a real GDP exceeding 42 billion Canadian dollars (2009), ranking it fifth among Canada's 13 provinces in both respects. The province's major industries are manufacturing, agriculture, mining and energy. Manitoba generates more than 95% of its electricity by hydropower and sells surplus electricity to Ontario and the U.S.

The province is leading the way to a low-carbon society leveraging its abundant carbon-free renewable energy resources, and it is keenly interested in advanced technologies to further reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as a means to prevent global warming. With its strong focus on environmental policy, the Manitoba government has been pursuing business contacts with MHI in recognition of the company's diverse technologies that contribute to a low-carbon society, including its high-efficiency power generation systems, renewable energy technologies and leading-edge energy efficiency solutions. This developing relationship between the two parties in energy and environmental areas has led to their formal agreement.

MHI views energy and environment related business as one of its major focal points for the 21st century. The company has been actively participating in various overseas environmental projects initiated by governments or autonomous bodies; these include the clean energy policy of Iceland, which primarily focuses on geothermal energy and resources, and the integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation plant project of Queensland, Australia, which encompasses a carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility. Going forward MHI will continue to aggressively propose innovative solutions for energy and environmental issues worldwide, leveraging its expansive range of technologies and knowhow in these fields.