World Power Plants

Onbetsu Power Station148 MW Natural Gas

GasVerified: Feb 2026

Ranked as the 227th largest power generation facility in Japan's extensive network of 664 plants, Onbetsu Power Station stands out with its capacity of 148 MW, contributing a modest 0.04% to the nation's total capacity of 357,453 MW. This gas-fired facility, operated by Hokkaido Electric Power Company, plays a crucial role in the local energy ecosystem amidst a predominantly nuclear landscape. Japan's reliance on nuclear energy as its dominant fuel type highlights the significance of this gas plant, particularly given its low ranking among gas facilities, where it holds the 50th position out of 52. The technical specifications of Onbetsu Power Station reveal its reliance on natural gas, which, despite being a fossil fuel, serves as a transitional energy source as Japan moves towards more sustainable alternatives. Located in close proximity to several solar power plants, including the Shiranuka Solar Power Plant (32.5 MW) and Toyokoro Solar Power Plant (27.4 MW), Onbetsu finds itself in a growing renewable energy cluster. While these solar facilities contribute significantly to the region's energy mix, Onbetsu's gas generation capacity provides essential backup during peak demand times, ensuring grid stability. The combined efforts of these plants illustrate a regional commitment to diversifying energy sources, albeit with Onbetsu's gas contribution being less prominent compared to the solar installations. Nationally, Japan's energy profile is marked by a major shift post-Fukushima, with an increasing emphasis on renewable energy. Onbetsu Power Station, while small in terms of national capacity, represents a vital component in the transitional phase towards a balanced energy mix. Its commissioning has contributed to the diversification of energy sources in Hokkaido, especially as the region seeks to bolster energy security. Looking to the future, Onbetsu Power Station's role may evolve further as Japan continues to invest in renewable energy technologies and strives to meet its carbon reduction commitments. The facility stands not only as a testament to the existing energy landscape but also as a potential pivot point for future energy strategies in Japan.

Capacity
148 MW
Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
Hokkaido Electric Power Company
Location
42.8984°, 143.9387°

Japan, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 225. largest of 662 plants in Japan
  • #8,566 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,922 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 0.04% of the installed capacity of Japan
Age & fleet comparison

11 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

Hokkaido Electric Power Company operates 7 plants totalling 3,856 MW

Regional density

8 plants within 100 km, 147 MW combined

Nearest plant: Onbetsu Solar Power Plant (2.2 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 42.898417, 143.938667
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
285.9 Kt
583 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
3.14 Mt
Over 11 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2045
19 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
62.1K
cars per year
38.1K
homes per year
13.0M
trees to offset

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

JapanEnergy Profile

662
Total Plants
342.8 GW
Total Capacity
GasNuclearCoalOil
Top Fuels

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