The Shimane is a key infrastructure asset in Japan's power generation grid, located on the continent of Asia. Designated as a low-carbon electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 820 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing nuclear energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Chugoku, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2006, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Shimane occupies the #37 position among all operational nuclear power plants. Its 820 MW capacity represents a 0.80% share of Japan's total installed nuclear generating capacity, which currently stands at 102,021 MW. The largest operational nuclear installation in Japan is the Kashiwazaki Kariwa with an output of 8,212 MW, making the Shimane approximately 10.0 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.2286% of Japan's aggregate generation capacity of 358,713 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of nuclear power plants (modeled at 90% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 6,464,880 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 2,154,960 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 35.5379° latitude and 132.9991° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Shimane Nuclear Power Plant (nuclear, 820 MW), the Tottori Yonago Solar Power Plant (solar, 42.9 MW), the Yonago TCL (solar, 29.1 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.
20 years old
Japan, Asia
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Shimane is a nuclear power plant producing approximately 6106 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.
Lifecycle emissions: ~12 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Nuclear
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Japan- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Shimane Nuclear Power Plant: A Key Player in Japan's Energy Landscape
The Shimane Nuclear Power Plant, located in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, is a significant facility in the country's energy sector with a total capacity of 820 megawatts (MW). Owned by Chugoku Electric Power Company, this nuclear power plant plays a crucial role in Japan's pursuit of energy independence and sustainability, particularly in the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, which dramatically altered the landscape of nuclear energy in Japan. The Shimane plant contributes to the national grid by providing a reliable source of baseload power, which is essential for maintaining stability in energy supply and meeting the demand of the population and industries in the region.
The Shimane Nuclear Power Plant utilizes nuclear fission as its primary energy generation method, employing uranium as its fuel source. Specifically, the plant uses low-enriched uranium fuel, which undergoes a controlled chain reaction within the reactor core to produce heat. This heat is subsequently used to generate steam that drives turbines, ultimately producing electricity. The design and operation of the Shimane plant adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations established by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) in Japan, emphasizing the importance of minimizing risk and ensuring the safety of both the environment and the public.
From an environmental perspective, nuclear power has a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels, making it an attractive option in the context of climate change and global warming. The Shimane Nuclear Power Plant generates electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation. However, nuclear energy does present challenges, including the management of radioactive waste and the potential for catastrophic accidents, which have raised public concerns and opposition to nuclear energy in Japan and worldwide. The facility is equipped with advanced safety systems designed to mitigate such risks, but the shadow of past nuclear incidents continues to linger in public discourse.
Regionally, the Shimane Nuclear Power Plant is significant not only for its contribution to the local economy through job creation and infrastructure development but also for its role in energy security. The plant helps to diversify Japan's energy mix, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, which can be subject to volatile markets and geopolitical tensions. Moreover, the plant's operation supports local businesses and services, contributing to the overall economic stability of Shimane Prefecture.
In summary, the Shimane Nuclear Power Plant stands as a vital element in Japan's energy framework, balancing the need for reliable electricity generation with environmental considerations and safety measures. Its capacity to provide a substantial amount of electricity supports the region's economy while contributing to national efforts to transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
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Nuclear Power Generation: An Overview of Its Functionality and Impact
Nuclear power generation is a process that harnesses the energy released from nuclear fission to produce electricity. At its core, nuclear fission involves splitting the nuclei of heavy atoms, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, into lighter nuclei, which releases a significant amount of heat. This heat is used to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, ultimately converting thermal energy into electrical energy. As of now, there are 243 nuclear power plants operating worldwide across 32 countries, with a total installed capacity of 534.0 gigawatts (GW). The United States leads with 68 plants generating 130.7 GW, followed by Japan with 26 plants at 72.8 GW, and France with 19 plants at 63.1 GW. Other notable contributors include South Korea and China, with 11 and 14 plants producing 49.8 GW and 45.2 GW, respectively.
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