Hatchobaru Otake is a 110 MW geothermal power plant located in Japan, operated by KYUSHU ELECTRIC POWER CO. This facility is a significant contributor to the country's geothermal energy sector. It is the largest geothermal plant in Japan, ranking 1st among 16 geothermal plants. With 110 MW, it represents 14.54% of Japan's total geothermal capacity of 756 MW. Japan has 16 geothermal plants with a combined capacity of 756 MW. Compared to the largest geothermal plant, Hatchobaru Otake at 110 MW, it is equal in size. Geothermal energy is an important renewable resource in Japan, providing around 0.5% of the total electricity generation. The country has a favorable geological setting for geothermal energy due to its volcanic activity. The plant is located in Kumamoto Prefecture, approximately 100 km from Fukuoka.
31 years old
Japan, Asia
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Hatchobaru Otake is a geothermal power plant producing approximately 771 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.
Lifecycle emissions: ~38 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Geothermal
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
Japan- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Nearby Power Plants
Understanding Geothermal Power Generation: An Overview
Geothermal power generation harnesses the Earth's internal heat to produce electricity. This renewable energy source exploits the thermal energy stored beneath the Earth's crust, which can be accessed through geothermal power plants. These plants typically utilize steam or hot water from geothermal reservoirs to drive turbines that generate electricity. The process begins by drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs, often located in tectonically active regions, where the temperature gradient is favorable for energy extraction. The steam or hot water extracted is then channeled to turbines, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is subsequently transformed into electrical energy by generators.
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