The Tsuruga 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 1160 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 1970, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Japan, Tsuruga occupies the #29 position among all operational nuclear power plants. Its 1160 MW capacity represents a 1.14% 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 Tsuruga approximately 7.1 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3234% 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 9,145,440 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 3,048,480 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 35.7519° latitude and 136.0189° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Ohi (nuclear, 4710 MW), the Ōi Nuclear Power Plant (nuclear, 2254 MW), the Tsuruga power station (coal-fired, 1200 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.
1.16 GW
56 years old
Japan, Asia
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Tsuruga is a nuclear power plant producing approximately 8637 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
Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant: A Key Player in Japan's Energy Landscape
The Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant, located in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, is a significant facility in the country's energy sector, boasting a total capacity of 1160 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by Japan Atomic Power Co., Tsuruga plays a crucial role in Japan's efforts to generate electricity while aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. This nuclear power plant is particularly important in the context of Japan's energy policy, especially following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, which led to a reevaluation of the country's energy sources and strategies.
The Tsuruga plant utilizes nuclear fission as its primary method of electricity generation, relying on enriched uranium as fuel. The reactors at Tsuruga are designed to harness the energy released during the splitting of uranium nuclei, producing heat that is then used to generate steam. This steam drives turbines, ultimately converting thermal energy into electrical energy. The reactors at Tsuruga are equipped with advanced safety systems and technology aimed at preventing accidents and minimizing the risk of radiation exposure to the surrounding environment. This emphasis on safety is particularly critical in Japan, where public sentiment regarding nuclear energy remains cautious due to past incidents.
In terms of environmental impact, nuclear power plants like Tsuruga are often viewed as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based power generation. They produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation, contributing to efforts to combat climate change and reduce air pollution. However, nuclear energy does present challenges, particularly in the management of radioactive waste and the potential for catastrophic events. The storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel are ongoing concerns, and Japan continues to seek long-term solutions to safely handle this waste.
Regionally, the Tsuruga power plant is significant not only for its contribution to Japan's energy supply but also for its economic impact on the local community. The plant provides employment opportunities and stimulates local businesses, fostering economic development in the surrounding areas. Additionally, as a major energy producer, Tsuruga contributes to the stability and reliability of the electrical grid in Japan, helping to meet the demands of both residential and industrial consumers.
In conclusion, the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant is a pivotal facility in Japan's energy landscape, contributing significantly to the country’s electricity supply while highlighting the complexities associated with nuclear energy. Its capacity, advanced technology, and role in regional economics underscore the importance of nuclear power in Japan’s ongoing energy discourse.
Nearby Power Plants
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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