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Shinagawa1,140 MW Natural Gas

Gas

The Shinagawa 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 1140 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Tokyo, 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, Shinagawa occupies the #34 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 1140 MW capacity represents a 1.18% share of Japan's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 96,324 MW. The largest operational gas installation in Japan is the Kashima Power Station with an output of 5,660 MW, making the Shinagawa approximately 5.0 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3178% of Japan's aggregate generation capacity of 358,713 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of gas power plants (modeled at 40% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 3,994,560 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 1,331,520 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 35.6199° latitude and 139.7559° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Futtsu Power Station (gas-fired, 5040 MW), the Sodegaura (gas-fired, 3600 MW), the Yokohama (oil-fired, 3325 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.

Capacity
1,140 MW

1.14 GW

Commissioning Year
2000

26 years old

Owner
Tokyo
Location
35.6199°, 139.7559°

Japan, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 35.619900, 139.755900
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
2.20 Mt
4494 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
57.25 Mt
Over 26 years of operation
Closing Soon
2030
4 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
478.7K
cars per year
293.6K
homes per year
100.1M
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

Shinagawa Power Plant: A Key Gas-Fired Facility in Japan's Energy Landscape

The Shinagawa Power Plant, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a significant player in the country's energy sector, boasting a generation capacity of 1140 megawatts (MW). Operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), this gas-fired facility is a pivotal component of Japan's efforts to diversify its energy sources and enhance energy security following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011. The shift towards natural gas as a primary fuel source aligns with Japan's commitment to reducing its reliance on nuclear power and increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix.

The Shinagawa Power Plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, which is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil. Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, a hydrocarbon that, when burned, produces significantly lower levels of carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions compared to more carbon-intensive fuels. The facility employs combined cycle technology, which enhances its efficiency by using both gas and steam turbines to generate electricity. This technology allows for higher energy conversion rates, enabling the plant to produce more electricity from the same amount of fuel compared to traditional power generation methods.

In terms of environmental impact, the Shinagawa Power Plant represents a step towards more sustainable energy production. By relying on natural gas, the facility helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, contributing to improved air quality in the region. However, it is essential to acknowledge that natural gas extraction and combustion still have environmental consequences, including methane leakage during production and transportation, which can undermine its benefits as a cleaner energy source. As Japan continues to grapple with its energy policy, the Shinagawa Power Plant serves as a case study in balancing the need for reliable electricity generation with environmental responsibilities.

The regional significance of the Shinagawa Power Plant extends beyond its immediate contribution to electricity supply. Situated in one of the most densely populated areas of Japan, the plant plays a crucial role in ensuring grid stability and reliability. The Tokyo metropolitan area has a high demand for electricity, especially during peak periods. By providing a consistent supply of power, the plant supports economic activity and quality of life for residents and businesses alike. Furthermore, as Japan transitions towards a more sustainable energy future, the Shinagawa Power Plant could serve as a model for integrating advanced technologies and cleaner fuel sources into the national energy infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Shinagawa Power Plant stands as a vital asset in Japan's energy landscape. With its substantial capacity and reliance on natural gas, it contributes to the country’s energy security while addressing environmental concerns. As Japan continues to evolve its energy policies and infrastructure, the role of facilities like Shinagawa will be integral to achieving a balanced and sustainable energy future.

JapanEnergy Profile

664
Total Plants
358.7 GW
Total Capacity
NuclearGasCoalOil
Top Fuels

Gas Power Generation: An Overview of Its Mechanisms, Benefits, and Future Prospects

Gas power generation is a significant component of the global energy landscape, characterized by the use of natural gas to produce electricity. This process typically involves either gas turbines or combined cycle gas plants. In a gas turbine, compressed air is mixed with natural gas and ignited, producing high-temperature exhaust gases that spin a turbine connected to a generator. Combined cycle plants enhance efficiency by utilizing both gas and steam turbines. After the gas turbine generates electricity, the waste heat is used to produce steam, which drives a steam turbine, thereby maximizing energy extraction from the fuel.

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