Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power is one of the few self-sufficient energy resources in resource-poor Japan. Hydroelectric power is an excellent source in terms of stable supply and generation cost over the long term. Hydroelectric power saw a rebirth in development following the oil crises of the 1970s. Although steady development of hydroelectric power plants is desired, Japan has used nearly all available sites for the construction of large-scale hydroelectric facilities, and so recent developments have been on a smaller scale.
Okumino Hydroelectric Power Plant (Pumped-storage)As the gap in demand between daytime and nighttime continues to grow, electric power companies are also developing pumped-storage power generation plants to meet peak demand. The share of pumped-storage generation facilities of the total hydroelectric power capacity in Japan is growing year by year.
Arimine Daiichi Hydroelectric Power PlantThermal Power
Initially, coal was the dominant fuel for thermal power generation in Japan, but it later lost that place to oil. Today, a diverse range of fuels including coal, oil, and LNG are used for the important generating role that thermal power plants play. In particular, in response to global environmental concerns, electric power companies are promoting the introduction of LNG fired plants, as they emit less CO2 and other pollutants.
Noshiro Thermal Power Plant (Coal-fired)To enhance thermal efficiency further, combined-cycle generating plants with both gas and steam turbines have been installed. As a result, gross thermal efficiency (maximum designed value) has exceeded 50%. In the future, we will continue to research and develop new technologies in order to increase thermal efficiency as well as the use of integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation.
Nanko Thermal Power Plant (LNG-fired)Nuclear Power
Japan's first commercial nuclear power plant started operation in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1966. As of the end of January 2009, Japan has fifty-three reactors operating around the country, usually accounting for around one-third of the country's total electric power output. By fiscal 2017, the nuclear output share is expected to reach 42 percent. Currently, there are three plants under construction, as well as another ten that are in the advanced planning stages.
Shimane Nuclear Power Plant ( Unit No.3, ABWR, Under Construction)While placing the highest priority on nuclear safety and public trust, Japanese electric power companies will continue to develop nuclear power generation as a base-load power source that plays an important role in Japan's electric power supply in order to secure a steady supply of electricity and address global environmental issues.
Genkai Nuclear Power Plant (PWR)Nuclear power makes a great contribution to energy security for resource-poor Japan by reducing the energy-equivalent of approximately 440 million barrels of oil per year, which corresponds to about 20 percent of total annual crude imports. In addition, nuclear power generation does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2), thus mitigating growing concerns about global warming. In FY2007, nuclear power generation had the net effect of reducing Japan's total CO2 emissions by about 14%. For these reasons, nuclear power is expected to play a major role as a central power source in the years to come.
Advancement of MOX Fuel Use in Thermal Reactors
As of the end of January 2009, three electric power companies (Kyushu, Shikoku, and Chubu) have completed the fabrication of MOX fuel (a mixture of uranium and plutonium oxides) in France while Kansai Electric Power has just started. Those MOX fuels will be transported to Japan and loaded at an appropriate time. Other electric power companies have been preparing to steadily introduce MOX fuel in thermal reactors, including acquiring government approval, submitting proposals to host municipalities.
World's First Full-MOX Nuclear Power Plant
On April 23, 2008, METI permitted Electric Power Development Co. Ltd. (EPDC) to construct the Ohma Nuclear Power Plant (ABWR, 1383MW) in the town of Ohma in Aomori Prefecture. This marks the first construction of a nuclear power plant at a new site in Japan in a decade. Ohma Nuclear Power Plant is the world’s first full-MOX nuclear power plant; it is designed to use MOX fuel in the entire core, thus playing a pivotal role in enhancing the flexibility of Japan's MOX fuel utilization program. EPDC plans to start operations in November 2014.
