The Shikoku Tachibana-wan 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 Shikoku Electric Power Co, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2000, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Shikoku Tachibana-wan 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 Shikoku Tachibana-wan 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 33.8560° latitude and 134.6513° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the J-POWER Tachibana-wan power station (coal-fired, 2100 MW), the Anan (oil-fired, 1245 MW), the Anan Power Station (gas-fired, 900 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.
26 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
Shikoku Tachibana-wan Power Station: A Key Player in Japan's Energy Landscape
The Shikoku Tachibana-wan power station, commissioned in 2000, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in Japan. Owned and operated by Shikoku Electric Power Co., the station has a total generation capacity of 700 megawatts (MW), contributing notably to the energy supply in the Shikoku region. Its establishment came at a time when the demand for reliable electricity was on the rise, particularly following the economic growth experienced in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
As a coal-fired power plant, Shikoku Tachibana-wan employs coal as its primary fuel source, which is known for its high energy content compared to other fossil fuels. Coal is abundant and relatively inexpensive, making it a practical choice for large-scale power generation. However, the utilization of coal also presents several challenges, especially in terms of emissions. Coal combustion releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are contributors to air pollution and climate change. In response to these environmental concerns, Shikoku Electric Power Co. has implemented various measures to reduce emissions and enhance the efficiency of the power plant.
The Shikoku Tachibana-wan power station plays a crucial role in Japan's energy sector, particularly in the context of the country's energy policy and its transition towards more sustainable energy sources. Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, Japan faced a pressing need to reassess its energy mix and reduce reliance on nuclear power. In this context, coal-fired power plants, including Tachibana-wan, have been relied upon to provide a stable and continuous supply of electricity, filling the gap left by the reduction of nuclear power generation.
Regionally, the Shikoku Tachibana-wan power station is significant not only for its capacity but also for its economic contributions. It provides jobs and stimulates local economies through the supply chain associated with coal procurement and power generation. Moreover, the power station is part of a broader network of energy resources that support the growing demands of industries and households in the Shikoku region. While the facility is essential for ensuring energy security, Shikoku Electric Power Co. faces ongoing pressure to adapt its operations to align with Japan's commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. This balancing act between energy needs and environmental responsibilities remains a pivotal aspect of the power station's ongoing operations and future developments.
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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