The Fukushima Daina Power Plant is a critical energy generation facility located in Japan, contributing significantly to the country's energy landscape with a capacity of 4,400 MW. This nuclear power plant has been operational since its commissioning, and it is owned and operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company. Situated at coordinates 37.3164, 141.0265, the Fukushima Daina plant is strategically positioned to leverage its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which provides essential cooling water for its reactors. Utilizing advanced boiling water reactor (PWR) technology, the plant is designed for high efficiency and safety, playing a crucial role in Japan's energy mix, particularly in the context of the country's post-Fukushima energy policies. Following the 2011 nuclear accident, Japan’s energy policies have shifted significantly, emphasizing the need for a stable and secure energy supply while addressing public concerns about nuclear safety. The Fukushima Daina Power Plant is key to this effort, as it helps to offset the loss of energy from other nuclear facilities that were decommissioned. Its substantial capacity allows it to provide a reliable source of electricity, supporting both local communities and industrial energy demands. As Japan continues to navigate its energy transition, the Fukushima Daina Power Plant remains a significant asset in the nation's pursuit of a balanced and resilient energy strategy.
4.40 GW
12 years old
Japan, Asia
- 11. largest of 662 plants in Japan
- #121 worldwide by installed capacity
- #35 of 514 Nuclear plants worldwide
- 1.28% of the installed capacity of Japan
12 years in operation
Nuclear fleet average: 38.1 years
Tokyo operates 24 plants totalling 47,440 MW
46 plants within 100 km, 29,746 MW combined
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Fukushima Daina is a nuclear power plant producing approximately 32762 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.
Lifecycle emissions: ~12 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Nuclear
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Japan- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant: A Key Player in Japan's Energy Landscape
The Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant, located in the Fukushima Prefecture of Japan, is a significant facility in the country's energy sector, boasting a total generating capacity of 4,400 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the plant plays a vital role in providing a substantial portion of Japan's electricity, especially in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, which led to heightened scrutiny and reform within the nuclear energy sector.
The plant consists of four reactors that utilize light water reactor technology, a common type of nuclear reactor that uses ordinary water as both a coolant and a neutron moderator. In terms of fuel, the reactors are designed to use low-enriched uranium, typically enriched to about 3-5% uranium-235. This fuel type is known for its efficiency in generating heat through the process of nuclear fission, where the nuclei of uranium atoms are split to release energy. The heat produced is then used to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity. Safety measures and protocols have been substantially improved in the wake of the nuclear incidents in Japan, with a focus on preventing similar occurrences and ensuring the plant operates within stringent regulatory frameworks.
From an environmental standpoint, nuclear power is often viewed as a low-carbon energy source, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, the Fukushima Daini plant, like all nuclear facilities, faces challenges related to radioactive waste management and potential risks associated with nuclear accidents. The region has been under close observation since the 2011 disaster, and ongoing assessments and enhancements to safety protocols are critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring environmental protection.
Regionally, the Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant is of considerable importance, not only as a major electricity supplier but also as part of the broader strategy for Japan's energy independence. After the 2011 disaster, Japan faced a significant energy crisis, leading to a reliance on imported fossil fuels. The gradual reintroduction of nuclear power, including the operation of Fukushima Daini, is seen as essential for stabilizing the energy supply, reducing dependence on imports, and ensuring energy security. Furthermore, the plant's operation contributes to local employment and economic activity, though the lingering effects of the past disaster continue to influence public perception and policy regarding nuclear energy in Japan. Overall, while Fukushima Daini remains a critical component of Japan's energy infrastructure, it embodies the complex interplay between energy needs, safety concerns, and environmental stewardship.
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