Positioned as the 228th largest power generation facility in Japan, Wakayama Power Plant stands out in a country characterized by its substantial reliance on nuclear energy. With a capacity of 147 MW, this gas-fired plant represents a mere 0.04% of Japan's total generating capacity of 357,453 MW, making it a minor yet integral player in the national energy landscape. Its technology primarily utilizes natural gas, supplemented by oil, which is indicative of Japan's diverse fuel mix in the wake of nuclear policy shifts post-Fukushima. The facility was commissioned in 2011 by Wakayama Kyodo Power Co. Inc., emphasizing a modern approach to energy production in the region. Surrounded by larger energy facilities, such as the Kainan Power Plant and Kainan, both boasting capacities of 2100 MW, and the Sakaiko and Gobō Thermal Power Plants with capacities of 2000 MW and 1800 MW respectively, Wakayama finds itself in an energy cluster dominated by significant gas and oil facilities. This proximity to larger plants underscores its role in the local grid, where it contributes to the overall stability of energy supply despite its comparatively smaller size. In the context of Japan's energy profile, which sees 664 total plants, the Wakayama facility's contribution may be modest, but it reflects a necessary diversification in fuel types as the country navigates its energy future. As Japan continues to explore avenues for sustainability, the importance of smaller plants like Wakayama may grow, emphasizing localized energy resilience and the potential for innovative energy solutions.
15 years old
Japan, Asia
- Primary Fuel Type
- Gas
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Japan- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
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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