The Aioi is a key infrastructure asset in Japan's power generation grid, located on the continent of Asia. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 750 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing oil energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Kansai, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1970, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Aioi occupies the #21 position among all operational oil power plants. Its 750 MW capacity represents a 1.53% share of Japan's total installed oil generating capacity, which currently stands at 49,174 MW. The largest operational oil installation in Japan is the Kashima Power Station with an output of 5,660 MW, making the Aioi approximately 7.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.2091% of Japan's aggregate generation capacity of 358,713 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of oil power plants (modeled at 15% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 985,500 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in Japan consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 328,500 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 34.7742° latitude and 134.4568° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Himeji Daini (gas-fired, 1650 MW), the Himeji Daiichi (gas-fired, 1442 MW), the Okawachi (hydroelectric, 1280 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of Japan.
56 years old
Japan, Asia
Location
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 Plant Database
Aioi Power Plant: A Key Player in Japan's Energy Landscape
The Aioi Power Plant, located in Japan, stands as a significant facility within the country's energy sector, boasting a generation capacity of 750 megawatts (MW). Owned by Kansai Electric Power Company, this oil-fired power plant plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region, particularly during peak consumption periods. Its strategic operation contributes to the stability and reliability of the electricity supply across the Kansai region, which includes major urban centers such as Osaka and Kobe.
The Aioi Power Plant primarily utilizes oil as its fuel source. This type of fuel, while historically significant in energy production, has faced scrutiny due to its environmental implications. Oil combustion generates greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change. Additionally, the burning of oil can produce other pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are associated with air quality degradation and health issues. In Japan, where energy security is paramount, the reliance on oil as a fuel source underscores the importance of balancing energy needs with environmental considerations.
Technically, the Aioi Power Plant is equipped with modern combustion technology designed to optimize efficiency and minimize emissions relative to older plants. The facility operates as a peaking plant, meaning it is primarily activated during high demand periods, which allows for the efficient use of oil while reducing the overall environmental footprint compared to continuous operation. Efforts to improve fuel efficiency and integrate cleaner technologies are ongoing within the broader context of Japan's energy policy.
The regional significance of the Aioi Power Plant cannot be overstated. Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, Japan's energy landscape underwent a drastic transformation, leading to a reduction in nuclear power reliance and a heightened need for alternative energy sources. In this context, the Aioi Power Plant has emerged as a vital contributor to the energy mix, providing essential backup power and supporting grid stability.
Moreover, the plant's operation aligns with Japan's commitment to energy diversification and resilience. As the nation continues to invest in renewable energy and seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, the Aioi Power Plant exemplifies the transitional role of oil-fired facilities in the shift towards a more sustainable energy future. While the long-term goal is to decrease reliance on fossil fuels, the Aioi Power Plant remains an important asset in Japan's current energy strategy, ensuring that the needs of the populace are met while navigating the complexities of energy production and environmental stewardship.
Nearby Power Plants
An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source
Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).
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