The Kashima Kita 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 650 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing oil energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize gas as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the KASHIMA-KITA ELEC POWER CORP, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1981, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Kashima Kita occupies the #22 position among all operational oil power plants. Its 650 MW capacity represents a 1.32% 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 Kashima Kita approximately 8.7 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.1812% 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 854,100 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 284,700 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 35.9030° latitude and 140.6878° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Kashima Power Station (oil-fired, 5660 MW), the Kashima Power Station (gas-fired, 5660 MW), the Kashima Kyodo (gas-fired, 1000 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.
45 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
Kashima Kita Power Plant: A Key Player in Japan's Oil-Fired Energy Landscape
The Kashima Kita Power Plant, located in Japan, is a significant oil-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 650 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1981, it is owned and operated by Kashima-Kita Electric Power Corporation. This power plant plays an essential role in Japan's energy sector, particularly in providing a reliable source of electricity during peak demand periods and in times of energy supply constraints.
The Kashima Kita Power Plant primarily utilizes oil as its fuel source. Oil-fired power plants, such as Kashima Kita, convert the chemical energy stored in oil into electrical energy through combustion. The combustion process produces steam, which then drives turbines connected to generators. While oil was once a predominant fuel source for power generation globally, its use has declined in many regions due to environmental concerns and volatility in oil prices. Nevertheless, in Japan, oil-fired plants like Kashima Kita have maintained a role in the energy mix, particularly in providing backup power and stability to the grid, especially in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, which led to a substantial reduction in nuclear power generation across the country.
From an environmental perspective, oil-fired power plants contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), and other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These emissions can have detrimental effects on air quality and contribute to climate change. To mitigate these impacts, the Kashima Kita Power Plant has implemented various emission control technologies and operational practices aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. However, the reliance on fossil fuels remains a concern as Japan aims to transition towards more sustainable energy sources in line with its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Regionally, the Kashima Kita Power Plant holds significance as it contributes to the energy security of the surrounding areas. Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, the plant supports local industries and residential communities by ensuring a steady supply of electricity. The plant's capacity to generate power from oil allows it to complement other energy sources in the region, particularly renewable energy and natural gas, thereby enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the local power grid.
In conclusion, the Kashima Kita Power Plant stands as a vital component of Japan's energy infrastructure. While it faces challenges related to environmental impact and the transition to cleaner energy sources, its role in ensuring energy security and reliability cannot be overlooked. As Japan continues to navigate its energy landscape, the plant exemplifies the complexities and trade-offs involved in balancing energy needs with 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).
See Incorrect or Missing Data?
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.