The Kudamatsu 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 700 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 Chugoku Electric Power Company, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1998, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Kudamatsu Power Station occupies the #30 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 700 MW capacity represents a 1.08% 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 Kudamatsu Power Station approximately 5.9 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.1951% 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 3,372,600 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 1,124,200 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 34.0118° latitude and 131.8514° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Yanai (gas-fired, 1400 MW), the Nanyo Complex power station (coal-fired, 481 MW), the Yamaguchi CS (solar, 24 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.
28 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
Kudamatsu Power Station: A Key Coal-Fired Energy Facility in Japan
Kudamatsu Power Station is a significant coal-fired power plant located in Japan, with a total installed capacity of 700 megawatts (MW). Operated by the Chugoku Electric Power Company, it plays a crucial role in the country's energy sector, particularly in meeting the growing demand for electricity in the region. As Japan continues to navigate its energy landscape in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, facilities like Kudamatsu have become increasingly important in providing stable and reliable power while balancing the need for energy security and environmental considerations.
The Kudamatsu Power Station utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, which is known for its high energy density and cost-effectiveness compared to other fossil fuels. Coal-fired power generation is a well-established technology that involves the combustion of coal to produce steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity. This process, while efficient, is also associated with the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, which has raised concerns regarding its environmental impact. In Japan, where the government is committed to reducing carbon emissions, the continued reliance on coal has sparked debates about long-term sustainability and the need for transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
In terms of environmental impact, coal-fired power plants like Kudamatsu face scrutiny due to their contributions to air pollution and carbon emissions. The combustion of coal releases not only carbon dioxide (CO2) but also sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, all of which can have adverse effects on air quality and public health. In response to these concerns, Chugoku Electric Power Company has implemented measures aimed at reducing emissions, such as installing advanced scrubbers and adopting cleaner coal technologies. Additionally, the plant's operational efficiency is continually assessed to minimize its environmental footprint.
Regionally, the Kudamatsu Power Station serves as a vital energy provider for the Chugoku region, which encompasses several prefectures in western Japan. The demand for electricity in this area is significant due to its industrial base and population density. As such, Kudamatsu plays a critical role in ensuring energy stability and supporting economic activities in the region. It also contributes to the overall grid reliability of Japan, particularly during peak demand periods when other energy sources may be insufficient to meet the needs of consumers and businesses.
In conclusion, the Kudamatsu Power Station, with its 700 MW capacity and reliance on coal, is an important player in Japan's energy landscape. While it provides essential electricity to the Chugoku region and contributes to the country’s energy security, it also faces challenges related to environmental impacts and the push towards more sustainable energy practices. The future of coal power in Japan, including facilities like Kudamatsu, will likely be shaped by ongoing policy discussions, technological advancements, and the growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions.
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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