The Minami Yokohama 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 1150 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Tokyo, 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, Minami Yokohama occupies the #33 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 1150 MW capacity represents a 1.19% share of Japan's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 96,324 MW. The largest operational gas installation in Japan is the Kashima Power Station with an output of 5,660 MW, making the Minami Yokohama approximately 4.9 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3206% of Japan's aggregate generation capacity of 358,713 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of gas power plants (modeled at 40% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 4,029,600 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 1,343,200 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 35.4042° latitude and 139.6370° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Futtsu Power Station (gas-fired, 5040 MW), the Sodegaura (gas-fired, 3600 MW), the Yokohama (oil-fired, 3325 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.
1.15 GW
23 years old
Japan, Asia
Location
Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Gas
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Japan- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Minami Yokohama Power Plant: A Key Component of Japan's Energy Landscape
The Minami Yokohama Power Plant, located in Japan, is a significant facility in the country's energy sector, boasting a capacity of 1,150 megawatts (MW). Owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), this gas-fired power plant plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the Greater Tokyo Area, one of the most densely populated regions in the world. As Japan continues to transition towards more sustainable energy sources, the Minami Yokohama Power Plant serves as a vital part of the energy mix, balancing the intermittency of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
The power plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, a choice that reflects an ongoing shift in Japan's energy policy following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011. Natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, producing lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when combusted. The plant employs advanced combined cycle technology, which enhances efficiency by utilizing both gas and steam turbines to generate electricity. This approach not only maximizes energy output but also minimizes waste, making the facility a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional fossil fuel power plants.
In terms of environmental impact, the Minami Yokohama Power Plant is designed to adhere to stringent emissions standards set by the Japanese government. While the facility still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, its reliance on natural gas significantly reduces pollutants compared to coal-fired plants. Additionally, the plant has implemented measures to minimize water usage and manage waste products effectively. However, the ongoing debate surrounding fossil fuels and climate change has led to increased scrutiny of gas plants like Minami Yokohama, prompting discussions about the future of energy production in Japan.
Regionally, the Minami Yokohama Power Plant is of paramount importance due to its proximity to Tokyo and its role in ensuring energy security for the capital. The plant not only provides a stable supply of electricity to millions of residents but also supports local industries that depend on reliable energy. As Japan faces challenges related to energy supply and demand, including the need for enhanced grid resilience, facilities like Minami Yokohama are essential in maintaining the balance between energy production and consumption.
Overall, the Minami Yokohama Power Plant represents a critical juncture in Japan's energy evolution. While it leverages natural gas to provide reliable and efficient power, it also highlights the broader challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a more sustainable energy future. As Japan seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its reliance on renewable energy sources, the Minami Yokohama Power Plant will continue to play a significant role in the country's energy landscape.
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Gas Power Generation: An Overview of Its Mechanisms, Benefits, and Future Prospects
Gas power generation is a significant component of the global energy landscape, characterized by the use of natural gas to produce electricity. This process typically involves either gas turbines or combined cycle gas plants. In a gas turbine, compressed air is mixed with natural gas and ignited, producing high-temperature exhaust gases that spin a turbine connected to a generator. Combined cycle plants enhance efficiency by utilizing both gas and steam turbines. After the gas turbine generates electricity, the waste heat is used to produce steam, which drives a steam turbine, thereby maximizing energy extraction from the fuel.
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