Japan

Itoigawa power station— 149 MW Coal

Coal

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Located in Niigata Prefecture, the Itoigawa power station is another coal-fired facility that ranks 224th in Japan's national capacity ranking, contributing 0.04% to the overall output of 357,453 MW. Commissioned in 2005 and operated by Summit Myojo Power Co, the plant's 149 MW capacity places it among the lower echelons of Japan's energy producers. Its coal rank mirrors that of its peers, positioned 55th out of 65 coal plants in the country. While coal remains a significant part of Japan's energy mix, Itoigawa's role is increasingly scrutinized given the nation's shift towards nuclear and renewable energy sources. The geographical context further emphasizes Itoigawa's position; it is surrounded by several hydroelectric power stations, including the Kurobegawa No.4 Power Station and the 黒部川第三発電所, both with a capacity of 81 MW, and the 新柳河原発電所 and Otozawa hydro power station, each contributing 41.2 MW. This clustering of hydro facilities showcases a commitment to cleaner energy alternatives in the region, contrasting with the coal dependency of Itoigawa. The national energy profile of Japan is heavily dominated by nuclear power, which complicates the landscape for coal plants. As the country seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce carbon emissions, the future of the Itoigawa power station may be challenged, necessitating operational adaptations or a pivot towards more sustainable practices. The plant's contribution to the national grid is modest yet vital, particularly in balancing supply during periods of demand spikes. As Japan's energy policies evolve, the economic implications for coal facilities like Itoigawa will be significant, influencing everything from energy pricing to job retention in coal-dependent regions.