Energy

NAS battery

The world's first large-capacity battery energy storage system and a major leap forward in the ability to provide a stable supply of renewable energy.

A product of NGK's proprietary advanced ceramic technologies, the NAS battery was the world's first commercialized battery system capable of megawatt-level electric power storage. The NAS battery system boasts an array of superior features, including large capacity, high energy density, and long service life, thus enabling a high output of electric power for long periods of time. NAS batteries can charge at night when power demand is low and provide power in the daytime to reduce peak power. Moreover, the NAS battery system can be used as an emergency power supply in power outages and during momentary drops in voltage. NAS batteries are increasingly being utilized in stabilizing output from wind and solar power generators while proving
useful to the spread of renewable energies and establishment of the smart grid. These batteries can be incorporated in microgrids, small-scale localized power supply networks that feature reduced energy costs and environmental impact, in demand response programs that make effective use of stored electric power, and with other new energy solutions spreading throughout the world to contribute to their widespread use and development.

World's largest battery energy storage facility. (300,000 kWh)NAS battery systems already have a record of operation in more than 200 locations worldwide.
A cell battery (left) and a ceramic solid electrolyte (right)NAS batteries have sodium (Na) negative electrodes and sulfur (S) positive electrodes separated by a ceramic solid electrolyte.

Insulators

Uncompromising quality and advanced technology are why our insulators are chosen to sustain power supply the world over.

Insulators play an important part in maintaining the safety and stability of our energy lifeline by ensuring that transmission lines and steel towers and equipment are completely isolated. Given the magnitude of their task—even the slightest defect could have massive consequences—insulators are required to be impeccably reliable. We at NGK group are the insulator specialists; since the company’s inception in 1919, we have consistently developed our own unique technologies and created products with the durability and quality to perform without fail even in harsh environments that suffer from earthquakes, typhoons and heavy snowfall. Among the world-beating products we have developed and made are the world’s strongest insulators for UHV (1 million volts) power transmission and the bushings using the world’s largest hollow insulators. We also boast the world’s largest production capacity—which is just as well, because our products are used in at least 100 countries. Backed by uncompromising quality and advanced technology, our products continue to make power supply safe and secure.

Insulators for power transmissionHere at NGK group, we produce an extensive line-up of multi-functional insulators that are resistant to dirt and lightning damage.
We constantly seek to innovate, and have succeeded in making our insulators more compact without compromising strength or isolation capacity. Thus, our suspension insulators for UHV power transmission are only 41 cm in diameter but can withstand a load of 84 tons.
Insulators and equipment for substationsNGK hollow insulators, support insulators, bushings, isolators and other transformer devices are used to isolate power lines from equipment and the transformer building. In fact, our technological capabilities enabled us to make UHV gas bushings some 11.5 meters long—the largest porcelain products in the world.
Equipment for power distributionSwitches, cut-outs, lightning resistant equipment and voltage regulators are just some of the reliable distribution devices we supply, and make a genuine contribution to the maintenance and efficiency of power supply equipment.

Industrial process products

Groundbreaking ceramic technologies for industries hungry for innovation.

Low-level radioactive waste treatment systemsAt NGK group, we design, build and assess low-level radioactive waste treatment plants. Our treatment syatems are used at nuclear facilities throughout Japan, and are rated highly for their outstanding dust removal performance and steadfast safety. What is more, they make a real contribution to waste reduction.
Wavelength-control drying systemsHaving developed various heating systems, including devices using hot air and far infrared rays, in 2012, NGK Insulators announced a new light-based drying system. By selectively irradiating light at specific wavelengths, the unit can dry at low temperatures (approximately 40 °C) while limiting thermal damage to products, helping to enhance product quality and to improve productivity.