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Shinchi power station2,000 MW Coal

Coal

The Shinchi power station is a critical coal-fired power generation facility located in Japan, specifically at coordinates 37.8427, 140.9456. With a significant capacity of 2000 MW, this power plant plays a vital role in Japan's national energy mix, providing substantial electricity to meet the demands of both residential and industrial consumers. Operated by TEPCO, one of Japan's leading utility companies, the plant has been operational since its commissioning in 1994, contributing to the stability and reliability of the local grid. The primary fuel type for the Shinchi power station is coal, supplemented by oil as a secondary fuel source, which allows for flexibility in energy generation. The utilisation of coal, a fossil fuel, has been a contentious issue in Japan, especially in light of national energy policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources. However, coal remains a significant part of Japan's energy landscape due to its availability and the established infrastructure for coal-fired generation. The technology employed at the Shinchi power station aligns with standard coal combustion processes, designed to optimise efficiency while adhering to environmental regulations. Its location in the Tohoku region is strategically important, as it ensures that electricity generated can be effectively distributed to nearby urban centres and industrial hubs. Furthermore, the plant's significant output supports Japan's energy security, particularly in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, which prompted a reevaluation of the energy mix and an increased reliance on stable sources. As Japan continues to navigate its energy transition, the Shinchi power station stands as a testament to the complexities of maintaining energy security while addressing environmental concerns. This power generation facility not only underpins the local economy but also plays a crucial role in the broader context of Japan's efforts to balance energy needs with sustainability.

Capacity
2,000 MW

2.00 GW

Commissioning Year
1994

32 years old

Owner
TEPCO
Location
37.8427°, 140.9456°

Japan, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 37.842700, 140.945600
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.90 Mt
9636 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
252.85 Mt
Over 32 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2034
8 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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