The Kobe 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 1400 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 Kobelco Power Kobe Inc., which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2003, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Kobe power station occupies the #18 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1400 MW capacity represents a 2.17% 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 Kobe power station approximately 2.9 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3903% 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 6,745,200 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 2,248,400 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 34.7032° latitude and 135.2400° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Sakaiko (gas-fired, 2000 MW), the Nanko (gas-fired, 1800 MW), the Tanagawa Daini (oil-fired, 1200 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.
1.40 GW
23 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
Kobe Power Station: A Key Player in Japan's Energy Landscape
The Kobe Power Station, located in Japan, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 1400 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by Kobelco Power Kobe Inc., this power plant was commissioned in 2003 and has played an essential role in meeting the energy demands of the region and the country at large. Given Japan's reliance on various energy sources, the Kobe Power Station contributes substantially to the national grid, especially in the context of a post-Fukushima energy landscape where there has been a notable shift towards thermal power generation.
Coal serves as the primary fuel for the Kobe Power Station, which is noteworthy considering Japan's limited domestic energy resources. The use of coal allows for a stable and continuous supply of electricity, crucial for both industrial and residential consumption. The plant employs advanced coal combustion technologies to optimize efficiency and reduce emissions, aligning with the regulatory standards set by the Japanese government. The technical specifications of the Kobe Power Station include state-of-the-art steam generators and turbines designed to maximize energy output while minimizing the environmental footprint.
Despite its role in ensuring energy security, the environmental impact of coal-fired power plants, including Kobe, is a topic of significant concern. Coal combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and climate change. In response to these challenges, Kobelco Power Kobe Inc. has committed to implementing measures aimed at reducing emissions, including carbon capture technologies and the exploration of cleaner alternatives. The facility is also subject to rigorous environmental regulations, which mandate continuous monitoring and reporting of its emissions and operational performance.
Regionally, the Kobe Power Station is a vital asset, supporting not only the local economy but also contributing to the stability of Japan's electrical grid. As a major industrial hub, the Kansai region relies heavily on the power generated at this facility. The station's capacity enables it to respond to peak demand periods, thus ensuring a reliable power supply for both residential and commercial users. Additionally, the plant's strategic location near key transportation networks facilitates the efficient import of coal, which is essential for its operations.
In summary, the Kobe Power Station stands as a critical component of Japan's energy infrastructure. With its significant capacity and reliance on coal, it underscores the complexities of balancing energy security with environmental sustainability in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. As Japan continues to navigate its energy future, the role of facilities like the Kobe Power Station will be crucial in shaping both the economy and the environment.
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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