The Aioi Power Station 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 coal energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Kansai Electric Power Company, 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 Power Station occupies the #29 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 750 MW capacity represents a 1.16% share of Japan's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 64,538 MW. The largest operational coal installation in Japan is the Hekinan Thermal Power Station with an output of 4,100 MW, making the Aioi Power Station approximately 5.5 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 coal power plants (modeled at 55% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 3,613,500 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 1,204,500 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 34.7748° latitude and 134.4572° 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 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 Plant Database
Aioi Power Station: A Key Player in Japan's Energy Landscape
Aioi Power Station, located in Japan, is a significant coal-fired power facility with a capacity of 750 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by Kansai Electric Power Company, it plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributes to the overall stability of Japan's power grid. The power station was constructed to support the growing energy needs of the Kansai region, which encompasses major urban centers including Osaka and Kyoto. Given Japan's reliance on various energy sources, Aioi Power Station serves as a backbone for providing consistent and reliable electricity to local industries and residents.
The Aioi Power Station utilizes coal as its primary fuel source. Coal is a fossil fuel that is abundant and can be transported relatively easily, making it a practical choice for baseload power generation. The station employs advanced combustion technologies designed to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions compared to older coal plants. However, coal-fired power generation is known for its environmental impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, and its contribution to climate change. In response to these concerns, Kansai Electric Power Company has been investing in technologies that aim to minimize the environmental footprint of coal usage, including carbon capture and storage initiatives.
The environmental implications of operating a coal power plant like Aioi are significant. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to air pollution and respiratory health issues in nearby communities. Additionally, coal mining and transportation can lead to habitat destruction and water contamination. In light of Japan's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources, the Aioi Power Station is under increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact and long-term viability.
Regionally, Aioi Power Station holds a strategic position in Japan's energy infrastructure. The Kansai region is one of the most densely populated and economically active areas in Japan, and the demand for electricity is consistently high. The power station helps to ensure energy security and reliability for both residential and industrial consumers. As Japan continues to navigate the complexities of energy transition, balancing the reliance on coal with the shift towards renewable energy sources, Aioi Power Station stands as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities associated with fossil fuel dependency. The future of the facility will likely be influenced by national energy policies, advancements in cleaner technologies, and societal pressures to adopt more sustainable practices in energy generation.
Nearby Power Plants
Understanding Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source
Coal has long been a cornerstone of electricity generation worldwide, with a significant presence in the global energy landscape. As of recent data, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants operating across 74 countries, boasting a total installed capacity of 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading nations in coal power generation include China, with 1,018 plants generating 1,038.0 GW, India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants producing 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, with 130 plants and 76.8 GW, and 61 plants and 63.9 GW, respectively. This widespread utilization reflects the essential role coal has played in the development of industrial and residential power systems globally.
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