The Tokai Daini 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 1100 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 Japan Atomic Power Co., which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1987, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Tokai Daini occupies the #31 position among all operational nuclear power plants. Its 1100 MW capacity represents a 1.08% 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 Tokai Daini approximately 7.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3067% 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 8,672,400 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 2,890,800 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 36.4215° latitude and 140.6028° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Hitachinaka power station (coal-fired, 2000 MW), the Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station (coal-fired, 2000 MW), the Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station (coal-fired, 2000 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.
1.10 GW
39 years old
Japan, Asia
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Tokai Daini is a nuclear power plant producing approximately 8191 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
Tokai Daini Nuclear Power Plant: A Key Player in Japan's Energy Landscape
The Tokai Daini Nuclear Power Plant, located in Japan, stands as a significant component of the country's energy infrastructure. With a generating capacity of 1100 megawatts (MW), this facility plays a pivotal role in supporting Japan's energy needs, particularly in the wake of the country's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards more sustainable energy sources. Owned and operated by Japan Atomic Power Co., Tokai Daini is one of the key nuclear plants contributing to Japan's electricity supply, especially in the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, the nation's capital.
Tokai Daini utilizes nuclear energy as its primary fuel source. The plant employs a boiling water reactor (BWR) design, which is known for its efficiency and reliability in converting nuclear fuel into electricity. The nuclear fuel consists primarily of enriched uranium, which undergoes fission reactions within the reactor core. This process generates heat, which is then used to produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The use of nuclear fuel allows for a significant amount of energy to be produced from a relatively small volume of material, making it an efficient option for large-scale power generation.
The environmental impact of Tokai Daini, like other nuclear power plants, is a topic of considerable discussion. While nuclear energy is recognized for its low greenhouse gas emissions during operation, concerns regarding radioactive waste management and the potential for nuclear accidents remain prominent. Safety measures and protocols are rigorously implemented to ensure the plant operates within stringent regulatory frameworks established by the Japanese government and international bodies. The facility’s design incorporates advanced safety features intended to prevent accidents and mitigate the consequences of any potential incidents.
Regionally, Tokai Daini holds significant importance in ensuring energy security for the surrounding areas. Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, the plant supports local economies by providing jobs and contributing to the regional development. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in balancing energy supply and demand, particularly during peak usage periods. As Japan continues to navigate its energy policy following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, the Tokai Daini Nuclear Power Plant represents a crucial element of the country's ongoing efforts to re-establish a safe, reliable, and sustainable energy framework.
In summary, the Tokai Daini Nuclear Power Plant is an essential asset within Japan's energy sector, leveraging nuclear technology to deliver substantial electricity generation while addressing environmental concerns. Its operational integrity and regional significance underscore its role in Japan's energy future as the country seeks to balance energy needs with sustainability objectives.
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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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