World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Gobo1,800 MW Oil

Oil

Gobo power plant stands as a key oil-fired power generation facility in Japan, with a capacity of 1800 MW. Operated by Kansai Electric, this facility is located at coordinates 33.8600, 135.1531, strategically positioned to provide energy to the Wakayama region. The use of oil as a fuel type at Gobo reflects Japan's historical reliance on various energy sources to ensure grid reliability and meet consumer demands. While oil power plants are less common in the current energy landscape due to environmental concerns, Gobo continues to play a significant role in Japan's energy generation framework, particularly during peak demand periods. The technology used in this facility allows for efficient conversion of oil into electricity, making it a valuable asset for the local grid. The operational context of Gobo is essential, especially given Japan's evolving energy policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy independence. As the country works towards a more sustainable energy future, the Gobo power plant acts as a reliable backup source, capable of providing necessary energy when renewable sources are insufficient. By maintaining a balance between traditional fuel sources and the push for renewable energy, Gobo exemplifies the challenges and opportunities present in Japan's energy transition, ensuring that local communities remain powered while the country navigates its path towards sustainability.

Capacity
1,800 MW

1.80 GW

Commissioning Year
1995

31 years old

Owner
Kansai
Location
33.8600°, 135.1531°

Japan, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 33.860000, 135.153100
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
3.59 Mt
5519 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
111.20 Mt
Over 31 years of operation
Past Retirement
2025
1 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
779.8K
cars per year
478.3K
homes per year
163.1M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Japan
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

JapanEnergy Profile

664
Total Stations
358.7 GW
Total Capacity
NuclearGasCoalOil
Top Fuels

An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source

Oil has been a significant source of energy for power generation worldwide, with 2,416 oil power plants distributed across 108 countries, contributing a total installed capacity of approximately 286.9 gigawatts (GW). The reliance on oil for electricity generation has its roots in the ease of extraction, transportation, and the energy density of crude oil, making it a practical choice for many nations. Notable countries that utilise oil in power generation include Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Iran, and Mexico, with Japan hosting 29 plants and leading in capacity at 49.9 GW, closely followed by Saudi Arabia with 53 plants at 49.7 GW. The United States has 883 oil power plants with a combined capacity of 39.4 GW, while Iran and Mexico have 22 and 23 plants, respectively, with capacities of 13.5 GW and 12.2 GW.

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power station data accurate and up-to-date.