Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station— 1,200 MW Hydroelectric
The Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station is an essential hydroelectric power generation facility located in Japan, at the coordinates 32.2511° N latitude and 131.3706° E longitude. With a capacity of 1200 MW, this power plant plays a crucial role in Japan's energy strategy, particularly in enhancing grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration. Operated by Kyushu Electric Power, the Omarugawa facility utilizes advanced pumped storage technology, which allows it to store energy by pumping water to an elevated reservoir during periods of low demand and releasing it to generate electricity during peak demand. This technology is particularly valuable in Japan, where the energy landscape is increasingly focused on sustainability and resilience following the challenges posed by natural disasters. The operational context of the Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station is significant, especially as Japan continues to recover and transition towards greater reliance on renewables. The plant's ability to quickly respond to fluctuations in electricity demand makes it a key component of the local grid, ensuring that energy supply meets consumption needs efficiently. The strategic location of the Omarugawa facility not only supports local energy requirements but also plays a role in regional energy collaboration and distribution. As Japan advances its energy policies, the importance of pumped storage facilities like Omarugawa becomes increasingly clear, highlighting their role in achieving a balanced, reliable, and sustainable energy future.
1.20 GW
15 years old
Japan, Asia
- 99. largest of 662 plants in Japan
- #1,870 worldwide by installed capacity
- #241 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
- 0.35% of the installed capacity of Japan
15 years in operation
Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years
Kyushu Electric Power operates 20 plants totalling 25,114 MW
39 plants within 100 km, 3,506 MW combined
Source: Wikidata
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station is a hydro power plant producing approximately 4205 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.
Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Hydro
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
Japan- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station: A Key Component of Japan's Hydro Energy Infrastructure
The Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station is a significant hydroelectric facility located in Japan, with a total generating capacity of 1200 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2011 and owned by Kyushu Electric Power, this power station plays a crucial role in the energy sector of Japan, particularly in the context of renewable energy integration and grid stability. Pumped storage technology allows the facility to store energy by using excess electricity during periods of low demand to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. When energy demand peaks, the stored water is released back down through turbines, generating electricity as it flows back to the lower reservoir. This ability to quickly ramp up electricity generation makes the Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station an essential asset for balancing supply and demand on the electrical grid, especially in a country like Japan, which has been increasingly focused on renewable energy sources following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.
The primary fuel type utilized by the Omarugawa facility is hydroelectric power, which harnesses the gravitational force of falling or flowing water to generate electricity. This method is one of the most efficient and sustainable forms of energy production, yielding minimal greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact when compared to fossil fuels. The pumped storage process not only provides energy during peak demand but also serves as a means of energy storage, enhancing the reliability of renewable sources such as solar and wind, which can be variable in output.
Environmental considerations are integral to the operation of the Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station. While hydroelectric power is generally considered more environmentally friendly than traditional fossil fuels, the construction and operation of such facilities can impact local ecosystems. The design and operation of the Omarugawa facility have focused on minimizing these impacts, incorporating measures to preserve local wildlife and water quality. Additionally, the facility contributes to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thus aiding in Japan's carbon emissions reduction goals.
Regionally, the Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station is significant for its contributions to local economic development and energy security. Situated in Kyushu, one of Japan's major islands, the facility supports the local economy by providing jobs and fostering technological advancements in hydroelectric power. The power generated from this station helps ensure that the region has a stable and reliable electricity supply, which is essential for both residential consumers and industrial operations. As Japan continues to transition towards a more sustainable energy future, facilities like the Omarugawa Pumped Storage Power Station will remain pivotal in achieving energy independence and environmental sustainability.
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