The Owase Mita 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 875 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing oil energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Chubu, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1997, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Owase Mita occupies the #20 position among all operational oil power plants. Its 875 MW capacity represents a 1.78% share of Japan's total installed oil generating capacity, which currently stands at 49,174 MW. The largest operational oil installation in Japan is the Kashima Power Station with an output of 5,660 MW, making the Owase Mita approximately 6.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.2439% of Japan's aggregate generation capacity of 358,713 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of oil power plants (modeled at 15% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 1,149,750 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 383,250 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 34.0670° latitude and 136.2070° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Okuyoshino (hydroelectric, 1206 MW), the Okuyoshino Pumped Storage Power Station (hydroelectric, 1206 MW), the Okinoshima Power Station (hydroelectric, 1206 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.
29 years old
Japan, Asia
Location
Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Oil
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Japan- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Owase Mita Power Plant: A Key Oil-Fueled Energy Source in Japan
The Owase Mita Power Plant, located in Japan, is a significant energy facility with a generation capacity of 875 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by Chubu Electric Power Company, the plant plays a crucial role in Japan's energy sector, particularly in providing reliable electricity to meet the demands of the region. As an oil-fueled power plant, Owase Mita utilizes petroleum-based fuel to generate electricity, contributing to the overall energy mix of the country.
Japan's energy landscape has undergone substantial changes in recent years, especially following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, which led to a significant reduction in nuclear power generation. In this context, fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal, have become increasingly important for maintaining energy security and meeting consumer demand. The Owase Mita Power Plant serves as a critical asset within this revised energy framework, offering a stable source of power that can be ramped up quickly to respond to fluctuations in electricity demand.
The technical aspects of oil as a fuel type for power generation involve the combustion of refined petroleum products, which releases energy that is converted into electricity through steam turbines or gas turbines. Oil-fired power plants like Owase Mita are equipped with technologies designed to optimize efficiency and reduce emissions, although they still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel use. The reliance on oil, which is subject to volatile market prices and geopolitical considerations, underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources to enhance energy security.
In terms of environmental impact, the Owase Mita Power Plant, like other oil-based facilities, faces challenges related to air quality and carbon emissions. While modern emissions control technologies can mitigate some of the harmful effects of burning oil, the plant still contributes to the broader issues of climate change and environmental degradation. This has prompted discussions within Japan about the need for a transition towards more sustainable energy sources, such as renewables, to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the energy sector.
Regionally, the Owase Mita Power Plant is significant for its role in supporting local economies and infrastructure. It provides jobs and contributes to the economic stability of the Owase area and surrounding regions. The plant's ability to generate substantial amounts of electricity makes it a backbone for local grid stability, especially during peak demand periods or emergencies when other power sources may be unavailable. Overall, the Owase Mita Power Plant represents a key component of Japan's energy strategy, balancing the immediate need for reliable electricity generation with the ongoing challenges of environmental sustainability and energy diversification.
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An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source
Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).
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