The Matsuura Kyushu 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 Kyushu Electric Power Co, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1989, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Matsuura Kyushu 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 Matsuura Kyushu 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 33.3552° latitude and 129.6925° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Genkai (nuclear, 3478 MW), the Genkai Nuclear Power Plant (nuclear, 3478 MW), the Genkai Nuclear Power Station (nuclear, 3478 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.
37 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
Matsuura Kyushu Power Station: A Key Player in Japan's Energy Landscape
The Matsuura Kyushu Power Station is a significant coal-fired power plant located in Japan, with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW). Owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co., the plant was commissioned in 1989 and plays an essential role in the country's energy sector, particularly in the Kyushu region. The facility is strategically important for meeting the electrical demands of the area, contributing to the stability and reliability of the local power grid. As Japan continues to navigate its energy challenges, Matsuura Kyushu Power Station remains a crucial asset in providing baseload power, especially during peak demand periods.
The power station utilizes coal as its primary fuel source. Coal-fired power generation is known for its relatively low operational costs and ability to generate large amounts of electricity. However, it is also associated with higher carbon emissions compared to other energy sources, such as natural gas or renewables. Matsuura Kyushu Power Station employs advanced technologies to optimize efficiency and reduce emissions, but coal remains a fossil fuel that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. The facility's role in energy production must be balanced with the ongoing need for Japan to transition towards cleaner energy sources, as the government aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2050.
The environmental impact of the Matsuura Kyushu Power Station and similar coal facilities is a critical concern in Japan's energy discourse. The plant's operations contribute to air pollution, including particulate matter and sulfur dioxide, which can have harmful effects on public health and the environment. To address these challenges, the Japanese government has been implementing stricter regulations on emissions and encouraging investments in cleaner technologies. The transition towards renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, is also gaining momentum, with the aim of reducing dependency on coal and promoting sustainable development.
Regionally, the Matsuura Kyushu Power Station serves as a vital energy source for the Kyushu area, where industrial and residential electricity demands are substantial. The power plant supports local economies by providing jobs and contributing to the region's infrastructure. However, as Japan faces increasing pressure to combat climate change and shift towards more sustainable energy practices, the future of coal-fired plants like Matsuura Kyushu Power Station is under scrutiny. The facility represents both the historical reliance on coal in Japan's energy framework and the ongoing transition towards a more diversified and environmentally friendly energy portfolio. As the country grapples with the complexities of its energy needs, Matsuura Kyushu Power Station stands as a testament to the challenges and opportunities faced in the pursuit of a balanced energy future.
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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