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Hitachinaka power station2,000 MW Coal

Coal

The Hitachinaka power station is an essential coal-fired power generation facility located in Japan, with specific coordinates of 36.4368, 140.6138. With a formidable capacity of 2000 MW, this power plant significantly contributes to Japan's energy generation landscape, supplying electricity to meet the demands of the local population and industries. Owned and operated by the Tokyo Electric Power Company, Hitachinaka has been in operation since its commissioning in 2008, ensuring a steady and reliable power supply to the grid. The primary fuel source for the Hitachinaka power station is coal, which has historically been a cornerstone of Japan's energy strategy despite the growing emphasis on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The technology employed at this facility utilises conventional coal combustion methods, optimised for efficiency and compliance with stringent environmental regulations. Located in the Ibaraki prefecture, the plant plays a crucial role in the Tohoku region's energy mix, providing essential support to urban centres and industrial areas that rely heavily on stable electricity supplies. The significance of Hitachinaka extends beyond its immediate output; it is a key player in the regional grid, helping to balance supply and demand fluctuations during peak usage periods. Japan's energy policy context has been evolving, particularly after the Fukushima disaster, which has placed greater scrutiny on fossil fuel usage. As such, while the Hitachinaka power station continues to operate, it does so amid increasing pressure to integrate more sustainable energy sources into the overall mix. Nevertheless, this power generation facility remains a vital asset in Japan's quest for energy security and reliability.

Capacity
2,000 MW

2.00 GW

Commissioning Year
2008

18 years old

Owner
Tokyo Electric Power Company
Location
36.4368°, 140.6138°

Japan, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 36.436800, 140.613800
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.90 Mt
9636 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
142.23 Mt
Over 18 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2048
22 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.7M
cars per year
1.1M
homes per year
359.2M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Coal
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

Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source: An Overview

Coal has been a cornerstone of electricity generation for over a century, accounting for a significant share of global energy production. As of now, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants worldwide, distributed across 74 countries, with a total installed capacity of around 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading countries in coal power generation include China, which operates 1,018 plants with a capacity of 1,038.0 GW, followed by India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants at 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, which have 130 and 61 plants, respectively, with capacities of 76.8 GW and 63.9 GW.

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