Mitsubishi plays a key role in the 2023 IEC White Paper’s drafting
Date: 25/10/2023
Mitsubishi Electric has spearheaded the development of the 2023 International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) White Paper titled "Power Semiconductors for an Energy-Wise society". This new publication, released on October 17, marks the first instance of a White Paper issuing recommendations for the advancement and global expansion of power semiconductors' international standards and certification systems. Since its inception in 2010, the IEC White Paper has been an annual publication that concentrates on electrical, electronic, and electromechanical technologies necessitating international standardization. It provides pertinent recommendations to the IEC and other relevant organizations in the field.
Mitsubishi Electric's power semiconductors, a key product line, are expected to advance technologically and become increasingly prevalent as devices that reduce power consumption and efficiently convert electrical energy, supporting the global push toward carbon neutrality by 2050. Advanced power semiconductors, utilizing new materials like silicon carbide (SiC), are being used for renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs), but the lack of international standards and certification systems for these devices is hindering their development. Without such standards and certifications, nonconforming products may proliferate, impeding cooperation among manufacturers, users, and regulators, thereby hindering the healthy growth of the power semiconductor global market.
In October 2022, Mitsubishi Electric initiated a White Paper project within the IEC Market Strategy Board (MSB) as a response to the prevailing circumstances. Collaborating with experts from various regions, the project team diligently addressed pertinent issues concerning power semiconductor technologies, markets, and regulations. The outcome of this endeavour is a comprehensive White Paper that effectively summarizes the applications, sectors, and technological trends associated with power semiconductors. Moreover, it emphasizes the imperative need for the development, alignment, and expansion of international standards and certification systems in this domain. Notably, the White Paper places particular emphasis on the pivotal role that power semiconductor standards can play in facilitating the realization of emission-free, carbon-neutral industries, thereby contributing to a healthier and more prosperous world.
The main points of the 2023 IEC White Paper include:
? Current status and future trends of society, markets, and technologies related to power semiconductors and applications are essential for realizing an "Energy-Wise society" in which energy is used wisely and efficiently.
? Challenges facing the power semiconductor industry and solutions for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through an integrated approach involving relevant regulatory, industry and international standardization organizations around the globe.
? Recommendations for international standardization bodies, particularly the IEC, to establish a roadmap and guidelines for the development of international standards and conformity assessment systems for power semiconductors.
The leadership of the White Paper project team was entrusted to Kazuhiko Tsutsumi, a distinguished technical advisor specially appointed by Mitsubishi Electric. Tsutsumi, who also holds the positions of IEC Vice President and Chair of the MSB, spearheaded the team's efforts. Comprising of esteemed professionals from various divisions within Mitsubishi Electric, including the Corporate Intellectual Property Division in Tokyo, the Power Device Works in Fukuoka, and the German Branch of Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. in Ratingen, Germany, the team was further fortified by the inclusion of a group of international experts.
Mitsubishi Electric intends to engage in collaborative efforts with power semiconductor companies, users, and regulatory authorities to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the establishment of international standards for power semiconductors. This initiative aligns with the recommendations outlined in the 2023 IEC White Paper and aims to foster the sustainable expansion of the power semiconductor market, in line with the global objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
For more information :
https://www.iec.ch/basecamp/power-semiconductors-energy-wise-society
