1.

Summary of thermal power generation in Japan

1.1 History of electric power companies in Japan
Electricity supply in Japan is carried out by independent regional electric power companies, which require close
communication to operate efficiently. In 1952, the nine major electric power companies established the Federation
of Electric Power Companies (FEPC) to promote smooth operations within the industry. Since then, the FEPC has
played an important role as a base for communication between the power companies and as a forum for
exchanging ideas on the evolution of the environment in the electricity industry. The FEPC undertakes various
activities aimed at ensuring operations of the electricity industry in keeping with the development of the country
as a whole.
With the restoration of Okinawa to Japan in 1972, the Okinawa Electric Power Company resumed its
participation in Japan's electric power industry, becoming a full FEPC member in March 2000.

Fig. 1.1-1 Service Areas by Company

1.2 History of the power plant and the role of thermal power generation in Japan
Electricity consumption in Japan has expanded almost consistently after the world war . Further, in recent
years, the need has intensified for a comfortable life as seen in the progression of computerization and the
proliferation of air conditioners, and even though the Japanese economy has entered a stable growth period,
electric power demand shows no signs of slowing down. In addition, new problems are starting to appear as the
demand increases.
Let consider the current situation and future of electricity consumption.
Due to the betterment of people's living standards, comfortable living is sought and the role of electricity in
living starting with air conditioning is growing increasingly. Moreover, due to the progression of a highly
intelligent community as a result of IT innovation including the computer and communication, the role of
electricity is increasing in all aspects of industry and living. From these facts, over the course of time, the
percentage of electricity consumption among consumption of other energies (electrification ratio) is running high.
Although the electric power demand is dependent on the trends in the business climate and those in politics and
the community, even in recent years when the Japanese economy has entered a stable growth period, it continues
to increase due to the progression of computerization and the proliferation of air conditioners.
Electric power in Japan is supplied mainly by thermal (oil, LNG, coal, etc.), hydro, and nuclear power
generation. There are 1,300 or more power plants in all parts of Japan to meet the electric power demand

growing steadily due to an upsurge in the desire to seek comfortable living, computerization, graying, etc.

Ratio of electric power accounting for primary energies

(electrification ratio)

Domestic supply of primary energies

PJ (Petajoules=1015J)

denotes the percentage that electric power accounts for

(Fiscal )

(Note) 1PJ equals a heating value of about 25,800 kl of crude oil.

Source: Comprehensive Energy Statistics (2003 version)

Fig.1.2-1: Ratio of electric power accounting for primary energies

(electrification ratio)

The role of electric energy, being useful and easy to use, is intensifying year after year, and the ratio of electric
energy to the consumption of all energies has now reached about 40%.

Track record and outlook of power generated by source.

(Hundred million kWh)
Oil, etc.

Coal

Natural gas
(LNG)

Hydro

Geothermal power
generation and new

Power generated yearly

Nuclear power

(Note) 1. Oil, etc. includes LPG, other gases and bituminous mixtures.
2. Due to rounding off, there may be cases where the total value
Source:
does not equal 100%.
3. Total of 10 electric power companies. Power received is included.
4. The numeric values in the graph represent the segment share (%).

Fig.1.2-2:

(Fiscal)
Outline of Fiscal 2005 Supply Program
(March 2005) and others

Track record and outlook of power generated by Source.

Power generated increases with each passing year, and we cope with the demand for increasing electric power
while planning departure from the use of oil through the use of nuclear energy, natural gas (LPG), etc.

As our lives become convenient and rich, the role of electricity serving in our lives continues to expand. The
amount of electricity usage varies significantly depending on the time period of the day and the season.
When we look at the electric consumption on an annual basis, in recent years, the growth in the summer season
is significant due to air conditioning, and when we look at it on a daily basis, the maximum consumption is
marked at about 2:00 p.m. when the heat in midsummer reaches its peak. The difference between the maximum
and the minimum values of electricity consumption is more and more on an increasing trend. The increase in
home air conditioners has a significant effect on this.
On the other hand, electricity is an energy that is impossible to be stored. Although a plant that generates
electric power is built to the peak of demand (maximum electric power demand), when the electric power demand
varies significantly according to season and time period, efficiency in the utilization of the power plant lowers,
and as a result, the cost to deliver the electricity will be comparatively high.

Movements in how electricity is used over one day in midsummer

(Merging of 10 electric power companies)

(Million kW)

July 20, 2004

July 24, 2001
August 25, 1995
August 7, 1990
August 29, 1995

July 31, 1975

(Time)
(Note) Merging of 9 electric power companies
only in 1975

Survey conducted by the Federation of Electric Power

Companies of Japan

Fig. 1.2-3 Movements in how the electricity is used over one day in midsummer

For electric power demand, there is a significant difference between daytime and nighttime in one day. This
reflects the fact that while a good amount of electricity is used by plants and offices in the daytime, industrial
activities are not performed much at night. In addition, even in the daytime, the amount of electricity used
decreases from 12:00 to 13:00 p.m. when plants and offices are in a lunch break.
During the day on a hot summer day, electric power demand for air conditioning increases. The consumption at
the peak in the daytime reaches about 2 times that in the time period in a day when the consumption is lowest.

Movements in how the electricity is used over one year

(Merging of 10 electric power companies)

(Million kW)
(All-time maximum)

Fiscal 2001
Fiscal 2004

Fiscal 1995
Fiscal 1990
Fiscal 1985

Fiscal 1975
Fiscal 1968
Fiscal 1967

(Month)
(Note) Merging of 9 electric power companies before
1975

Survey conducted by the Federation of Electric Power

Companies of Japan

Fig.1.2-4: Movements in how the electricity is used over one year

When we look at electric power demand on a month-by-month basis, there is a big change in how the electricity
is used even through one year. Electricity demand registered its peak during the summer season of fiscal 1968,
and currently, there are 2 peaks in the summer and the winter in conjunction with the upsurge in electric power
demand used for heating in winter. In particular, the increase in the peak in summer is remarkable, showing a big
gap compared with spring and autumn when there is low demand for air conditioning. The gap in electric power
demand due to the season will cause the efficiency of the utilization rate of plant to lower together with scale-up
of the gap due to the time period, and will contribute to increasing the cost to deliver the electricity to the
consumer.
[Combination in response to the characteristics of the source]
Although the amount of electricity usage varies, as it is impossible to store the electricity, and it is necessary to
adjust the amount of electricity to be generated with reference to the electric power demand. Electric power
companies combine a variety of electric power generation systems for the purpose of meeting electric power
demand that varies every moment.
c Efforts to cope with peak electric power demand
During the day when electricity is used in large amounts, a power plant must generate high-volume electricity.
Provision for peak electric power demand is made by an oil-fired thermal power and pumped-storage
hydroelectric power generation, which are excellent in coping with electric power demand that can vary.
c Supplying base electric power demand
On the other hand, base electric power demand is supplied by nuclear power generation and hydro power
generation (run-off river type) taking the power generation cost and environment load into account.
c Combined use of sources
Further, in Japan, most energy resources rely on imports from abroad. To supply electricity with stability in the

future as well, taking the limited fossil resources, global environmental issues, further economics, etc. into
account, we intend to combine the resources in well-balanced way making use of characteristics of each type of
power generation including hydro, thermal, and nuclear, thereby dispersing the risk by not relying on one source.
Electricity demand varies during the day or at night even in one day. In electric utilities, the features of hydro,
thermal, and nuclear power generation such as operation characteristics, economics, and efforts to cope with
global environmental issues are judged comprehensively to combine various kinds of sources in an optimum
balance.
Pumped-storage
hydroelectric power

Equalizing pool-type
hydro
Water reservoir-type
hydro

Supply capacity to cope

with peak electric power
demand

Oil

Supply capacity to cope

with middle electric
power demand
LNG, LPG, and other gases
Coal
Nuclear power
Supply capacity to cope
with base electric power
demand

Run-off river-type hydro/geothermal power generation

(Time)

Fig.1.2-5: Combination of sources for electric power demand

Table 1.2-1: Characteristics of respective sources and optimum combination

Power generation
system
Pumped-storage
hydroelectric power

Equalizing pool-type
hydro
Water reservoir-type
hydro
Oil-fired thermal
power

LNG, LPG, and other

gas-fired thermal
power

Coal-fired thermal
power

Supply capacity

Characteristics

Supply capacity to
cope with peak
electric power
demand
Supply capacity to
cope with peak
electric power
demand

Finds application as a supply capacity to cope with sudden

fluctuation in demand and peak demand because it copes very
easily with fluctuation in electric power demand.

Supply capacity to
cope with peak
electric power
demand
Supply capacity to
cope with middle
electric power
demand
Supply capacity to
cope with base and
middle electric power
demands

Although the initial cost is high, this is excellent

economically from the viewpoint of average service life, and
because it copes extremely easily with fluctuation in electric
power demand, this type finds application as a supply
capacity for peak demand.
Although the running cost is relatively high, the capital cost is
low and it is excellent in coping with fluctuation in electric
power demand, thereby finding application as a supply
capacity for peak demand.
The running cost is low, and with respect to the capital cost as
well, it is cheaper than a coal-fired thermal power and it is
excellent in coping with fluctuation in electric power demand,
thereby finding application as a supply capacity for middle
demand.
Although the capital cost is high, it copes more easily than
nuclear power with fluctuation in electric power demand,
thereby finding application as a supply capacity for
intermediate demand between that for base demand and that
for middle demand.

Nuclear power

Run-off river-type
hydro power
generation

Supply capacity to
cope with base
electric power
demand
Supply capacity to
cope with base
electric power
demand

Supply capacity for peak demand:

Supply capacity for middle demand:
Supply capacity for base demand:

Although the capital cost is high, the running cost is low,

whereby this can perform the operation at a high utilization
rate as a supply capacity for base demand.
Although the initial cost is high, it is excellent economically
from the viewpoint of average service life, and it finds
application as a supply capacity for base demand.

A source whose amount of electricity to be generated can easily be

adjusted
A source that has the two features of peak electric power demand and
base electric power demand
A source that supplies a constant volume of electricity

1.3 Movements in thermal efficiency of thermal power plants in Japan and outlook for thermal
power generation technology in the future
Since the first Rankine cycle-based thermal (steam) power generation plant (Steam pressure: 0.59MPa (gage)
(6atg), 7.5kW (10HP) was manufactured by Charles A. Persons in 1884, the thermal efficiency of steam power
generation plants has improved significantly together with improvement of steam conditions (higher
temperature/higher pressure) and larger capacity.
In Japan as well, LNG-fired supercritical pressure (SC) plants whose main steam pressure was 24.3 MPa (gage)
(246 atg) and whose main/reheat steam temperature was 538/566 C came into operation in the form of Tokyo
Electric Power Company's Anegasaki thermal plant Unit No.1 in 1967. Subsequently, similar steam conditions
were adopted for coal-fired plants, and in 1989, 2-stage reheat LNG-fired Ultra Supercritical pressure (USC)
thermal power generation whose main steam pressure was 31.0 MPa (gage) (316atg) and whose ultrasupercritical-pressure/high-pressure/middle-pressure steam temperature was 566/566/566 C came into operation
at CHUBU Electric Power Company's Kawagoe thermal power plant Unit No.1. As described earlier,
improvement of steam conditions has been planned steadily. However, in recent years, the growth of steam
conditions has become relatively slow, and as shown in the figure, the thermal efficiency of steam power
generation moves at little over 40%.
Slowdown trends in rise of thermal efficiency of thermal (steam) power generation achieved a significant
change through the introduction of LNG combined cycle power generation using a full-scale exhaust heat
recovery system with a turbine inlet temperature (TIT) of the 1100-C-class gas turbine as a core at TOHOKU
Electric Power Company's Higashi Niigata Unit group No.3 in 1984. As shown in the figure, through the
adoption of combined cycle power generation system combining the Brayton cycle (gas turbine) and the Rankine
cycle (steam turbine), the thermal efficiency of the thermal power plant rose in a stroke to about 44%. TIT of gas
turbines for commercial use has risen at a rate of about 20C/year on average due to progression of cooling
technology and development of heat-resistant materials. In November 1999, the advanced combined cycle
power generation cycle (ACC) consisting mainly of a 1,450-C-class gas turbine begun commercial operation at
TOHOKU Electric Power Company's Higashi Niigata Unit group No.4-1, and 50% thermal efficiency, having
which had been a dream for a long time in the thermal power generation sector, was attained. During this period,
a number of LNG combined cycle power generation plants were introduced one after another, and attained an
excellent track record of operation with high thermal efficiency, load change, etc. The installed capacity of LNG
combined cycle power generation at the end of 2001 reached 22 million kW in total across the 6 Electric Power
Companies & 21 groups, coming to account for 17% of the installed capacity of all commercial-use thermal
power generation.
Currently, in addition, TOKYO Electric Power Company's Futtsu thermal power plant Unit group 3 & group 4,
Shinagawa thermal power plant Unit group No.1, Kawasaki thermal power plant Unit group No.1, TOHOKU
Electric Power Company's Unit group No.4-2, etc. are in the advanced stage of construction, and the thermal
efficiency of ACC under construction is planned to be 50 to 53%.
On the other hand, with respect to coal-fired thermal power, improvement in the steam condition of coal-fired
USC thermal power generation continues steadily such as at CHUBU Electric Power Company's Hekinan thermal
power plant Unit No.3 (main steam pressure: 24.1 MPa (gage) (246 atg), main/reheat steam temperature:
538/593C), Electric Power Development Company's Matsuura thermal power plant Unit No.2, HOKURIKU
Electric Power Company's Nanao Ohta thermal power plant Unit No.2 (main steam pressure: 24.1 MPa (gage)
(246 atg), main/reheat steam temperature: 593/593C), TOHOKU Electric Power Company's Haramachi thermal
power plant Unit No.2, CHUGOKU Electric Power Company's Misumi power plant Unit No.1 (main steam
pressure: 24.5 MPa (gage) (250atg), main/reheat steam pressure: 600/600C), Electric Power Development
Company's Tachibanawan thermal power plant Unit No. 1 & No.2 (main steam pressure: 25 Mpa (gage) (255atg),

Gross thermal efficiency [%] HHV

main/reheat steam pressure: 600/610C), which have started operation.

In addition, pressurized fluidized bed combustion (PFBC) combined cycle generation plants combining
expansion and steam turbines started operation at HOKKAIDO Electric Power Company's Tomatoh Atsuma Unit
No.3 in 1998, CHUGOKU Electric Power Company's Oosaki Unit No.1-1 in 2000, and KYUSHU Electric Power
Company's Kanda Unit No.1 in 2001. Through these, the thermal efficiency of coal-fired thermal power plants
reached about 43%.
Combined cycle power generation
(Gas/Steam turbine)

Kawasaki
Higashiniigata#4
Himeichi#5

Higashiniigata#3
Yokohama #7, 8

Shinkokura#2 Anesaki#1 Kashima#5

Chiba#1

Chiba#2
Kawagoe#1

Hitachinaka#1

Kanda#1

Steam power generation

(Boiler/Steam turbine)

Fiscal year
Fig.1.3-1: Developments in thermal efficiency of thermal power generation

Table 1.3-1: Major coal-fired thermal power generation plants in Japan (1959 - 1985)
Era

No.
1

From
1976 to
1985

Power plant

Sumitomo joint electric

Niihamanishi
power co., Ltd

Unit

Approved
output

Steam conditions

Unit No.1

75

10.0MPa-538C/538C

Tohoku

Sendai

Unit No.1

175

16.6MPa-566C/538C

Kyushu

Minato

Unit No.1

156

16.6MPa-566C/538C

Tohoku

Sendai

Unit No.2

175

16.6MPa-566C/538C

Chugoku

Mizushima

Unit No.1

125

12.5MPa-538C/538C

Tohoku

Sendai

Unit No.3

175

16.6MPa-566C/538C

Unit No.2

75

10.0MPa-538C/538C

Before
1975

Electric power
company

Sumitomo joint electric

Niihamanishi
power co., Ltd

Manufacturer
Turbine
Generator
Mitsubishi
Electric
MHI
MHI
Corp.
Babcock- GE, Hitachi,
Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi K.K.
Ltd.
Mitsubishi
Electric
MHI
MHI
Corp.
BabcockHitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi K.K.
BabcockHitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi K.K.
BabcockHitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi K.K.
Mitsubishi
Electric
MHI
MHI
Corp.
BabcockHitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi K.K.
Mitsubishi
Electric
MHI
MHI
Corp.
Toshiba
Toshiba
MHI
Corp.
Corp.
Mitsubishi
MHI
MHI
Electric
Corp.
BabcockHitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi K.K.
Toshiba
Toshiba
IHI
Corp.
Corp.
Mitsubishi
MHI
MHI
Electric
Corp.
Mitsubishi
Electric
MHI
MHI
Corp.
Boiler

Operation
started from
1959-08
1959-10
1960-09
1960-11
1961-11
1962-06
0962-07

Chugoku

Mizushima

Unit No.2

156

16.6MPa-566C/538C

Kyushu

Omura

Unit No.2

156

16.6MPa-566C/538C

10

Shikoku

Saijo

Unit No.1

156

16.6MPa-566C/538C

11

Chugoku

Shimonoseki

Unit No.1

175

16.6MPa-566C/538C

12

J-POWER

Takehara

Unit No.1

250

16.6MPa-566C/538C

13

Hokkaido

Naie

Unit No.1

175

16.6MPa-566C/538C

14

J-POWER

Takasago

Unit No.1

250

16.6MPa-566C/538C

15

J-POWER

Takasago

Unit No.2

250

16.6MPa-566C/538C

16

Hokkaido

Naie

Unit No.2

175

16.6MPa-566C/538C

IHI

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

1970-02

17

Shikoku

Saijo

Unit No.2

250

16.6MPa-566C/538C

IHI

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

1970-06

18

Jyoban Joint
Power Co.

Nakoso

Unit No.7

250

16.6MPa-566C/538C

MHI

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

1970-10

19

Tobata Co-operative
Thermal Power
Company, Inc.

Tobata Cooperative
Thermal Power
Company, Inc.

Unit No.2

156

16.6MPa-566C/538C

MHI

20

Toyama Kyodo

Toyamashinko

Unit No.1

250

16.6MPa-566C/538C

21

Toyama Kyodo

Toyamashinko

Unit No.2

250

16.6MPa-566C/538C

22

Sumitomo joint electric

power co., Ltd

Mibugawa

Unit No.1

250

16.6MPa-566C/538C

23

Hokkaido

Sagawa

Unit No.3

125

12.5MPa-538C/538C

MHI

Fuji

Fuji

1977-06

Unit No.1

350

16.6MPa-566C/538C

MHI

Toshiba
Corp.

Toshiba
Corp.

1977-10

Unit No.2

350

16.6MPa-566C/538C

MHI

Unit No.1

350

16.6MPa-566C/538C

BabcockHitachi K.K.

Unit No.1

500

24.1MPa-538C/538C

MHI

24

Sakata kyodo
power company,
Ltd.

25

Sakata kyodo
power company,
Ltd.

26

Hokkaido

27

J-POWER

Sakata kyodo
power
company,
Ltd.
Sakata kyodo
power
company,
Ltd.
Tomatoh
Atsuma
Matsushima

28

J-POWER

Matsushima

Unit No.2

500

24.1MPa-538C/538C

29

Hokkaido

Sagawa

Unit No.4

125

17.7MPa-538C/538C

30
31
32
33

J-POWER
Jyoban Joint
Power Co.
Jyoban Joint
Power Co.
Hokkaido

Takehara

Unit No.3

700

24.1MPa-538C/538C

Nakoso

Unit No.8

600

24.1MPa-538C/566C

MHI

BabcockHitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi K.K.
BabcockHitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi K.K.
Mitsubishi
Electric
MHI
MHI
Corp.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

Toshiba
Corp.

Toshiba
Corp.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

1964-08
1965-11
1967-03
1967-07
1968-06
1968-07

1969-01

1971-06

1971-09
1972-06
1975-03

1978-10

1980-10
1981-01

MHI

Toshiba
Corp.

Toshiba
Corp.

1981-06

KHI

Fuji

Fuji

1982-05

BabcockHitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi K.K.
MHI

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

Nakoso

Unit No.9

600

24.1MPa-538C/566C

IHI

Toshiba
Corp.

Tomatoh
Atsuma

Unit No.2

600

24.1MPa-538C/566C

IHI

Hitachi, Ltd.

Mitsubishi
Electric
Corp.

1963-08

1983-03
1983-09

Toshiba
Corp.

1983-12

Hitachi, Ltd.

1985-10

Table 1.3-2: Major coal-fired thermal power generation plants in Japan (1986 - 2005)
Era

From
1986 to
1995

No.

Electric power
company

Power plant

Unit

Approved
output

Steam conditions

34

Chugoku

Shinonoda

Unit No.1

500

24.1MPa-538C/566C

IHI

35

J-POWER

Ishikawa

Unit No.1

156

18.6MPa-566C/566C

KHI

Fuji

Fuji

1986-11

IHI

Toshiba
Corp.

Toshiba
Corp.

1987-01

Fuji

Fuji

36

Chugoku

37
38
39

Shinonoda

Unit No.2

500

24.1MPa-538C/566C

J-POWER

Ishikawa

Unit No.2

156

18.6MPa-566C/566C

KHI

Kyushu

Matsuura

Unit No.1

700

24.1MPa-538C/566C

MHI

J-POWER

Matsuura

Unit No.1

1000

24.1MPa-538C/566C

BabcockHitachi K.K.

40

Chubu

Hekinan

Unit No.1

700

24.1MPa-538C/566C

MHI

41

Hokuriku

Tsuruga

Unit No.1

500

24.1MPa-566C/566C

MHI

42

Chubu

Hekinan

Unit No.2

700

24.1MPa-538C/566C

BabcockHitachi K.K.

43

Chubu

Hekinan

Unit No.3

700

Manufacturer
Turbine
Toshiba
Corp.

Generator
Toshiba
Corp.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

MHI
Toshiba
Corp.
Toshiba
Corp.

Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.
Toshiba
Corp.
Toshiba
Corp.

Operation
started from
1986-04

1987-03
1989-06
1990-06
1991-10
1991-10

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

1992-06
1993-04
1993-06

24.1MPa-538C/593C

IHI

MHI

Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.

BabcockHitachi K.K.

Fuji

Fuji

44

Tohoku

Noshiro

Unit No.1

600

24.5MPa-538C/566C

45

Okinawa

Gushikawa

Unit No.1

156

16.6MPa-566C/538C

KHI

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

1994-03

24.1MPa-538C/566C

BabcockHitachi K.K.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

1994-07

46
47

Soma Kyodo
Tohoku

Shinchi
Noshiro

Unit No.1
Unit No.2

1000
600

24.1MPa-566C/593C

48

Hokuriku

Nanao Ohta

Unit No.1

500

24.1MPa-566C/593C

49

Okinawa

Gushikawa

Unit No.2

156

16.6MPa-566C/538C

50

J-POWER

Takehara

Unit No.2

350

16.6MPa-566C/538C

IHI
BabcockHitachi K.K.
BabcockHitachi K.K.
BabcockHitachi K.K.

Toshiba
Corp.
MHI
MHI

Toshiba
Corp.
Toshiba
Corp.

Soma Kyodo

Shinchi

Unit No.2

1000

24.1MPa-538C/566C

MHI

52

Kyushu

Reihoku

Unit No.1

700

24.1MPa-566C/566C

IHI

53

J-POWER

Matsuura

Unit No.2

1000

24.1MPa-593C/593C

BabcockHitachi K.K.

MHI

Tohoku

Haramachi

Unit No.1

1000

24.1MPa-566C/593C

MHI

Toshiba
Corp.

55

Hokkaido

Tomatoh
Atsuma

Unit No.3

85

16.6MPa-566C/538C

MHI

MHI

56

Chugoku

Misumi

Unit No.1

1000

24.5MPa-600C/600C

MHI

MHI

IHI

Toshiba
Corp.

57

Hokuriku

Nanao Ohta

Unit No.2

700

24.1MPa-593C/593C

58

Tohoku

Haramachi

Unit No.2

1000

24.1MPa-600C/600C

59

Shikoku

Tachibana wan

Unit No.1

700

24.1MPa-566C/593C

60

J-POWER

Tachibana wan

Unit No.1

1050

25.0MPa-600C/610C

61

Hokuriku

Tsuruga

Unit No.2

700

24.1MPa-593C/593C

BabcockHitachi K.K.
BabcockHitachi K.K.
IHI
MHI
BabcockHitachi K.K.
BabcockHitachi K.K.

62

J-POWER

Tachibana wan

Unit No.2

1050

25.0MPa-600C/610C

63

Chugoku

Osaki

Unit No.1

250

16.6MPa-566C/593C

360

24.1MPa-566C/593C

IHI

64

Kyushu

Kanda

New Unit
No.1

65

Chubu

Hekinan

Unit No.4

1000

24.1MPa-566C/593C

IHI

66

Okinawa

Kin

Unit No.1

220

16.6MPa-566C/566C

MHI

67
68

J-POWER

Isogo

Unit No.1

600

25.0MPa-600C/610C

IHI

Hokkaido

Tomatoh
Atsuma

Unit No.4

700

25.0MPa-600C/600C

IHI

69

Chubu

Hekinan

Unit No.5

1000

24.1MPa-566C/593C

IHI

70

Okinawa

Kin

Unit No.2

220

16.6MPa-566C/566C

MHI

71

Kyushu

Reihoku

Unit No.2

700

24.1MPa-593C/593C

MHI

Toshiba
Corp.
Toshiba
Corp.
Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.
Toshiba
Corp.
Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.
Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.
Toshiba
Corp.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

Toshiba
Corp.
Toshiba
Corp., GE
Toshiba
Corp.
MHI

GT: ALSTOM
ST: TOSHIBA
Toshiba
Corp.

72

Tokyo

Hitachinaka

Unit No.1

1000

24.5MPa-600C/600C

73

Tokyo

Hirono

Unit No.5

600

24.5MPa-600C/600C

MHI

MHI

74

Kansai

Maizuru

Unit No.1

900

24.1MPa-595C/595C

MHI

MHI

1995-06
1995-07
1995-12
1997-07
1997-07
1998-03
1998-06
1998-07
1998-07

2000-07

Toshiba
Corp.
Toshiba
Corp.

Fuji

Toshiba
Corp.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

Toshiba
Corp.

1995-03

GE
Toshiba
Corp.
Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

Toshiba
Corp.

1995-03

2000-06

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

Fuji
SIEMENS

1994-12

Toshiba
Corp.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

BabcockHitachi K.K.

10

Toshiba
Corp.
Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.
Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

51

54

From
1996 to
2005

Boiler

Toshiba
Corp.

Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.

Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.
Mitsubishi
Electric Corp.

2000-09
2000-12
2000-12
2001-07
2001-11
2002-02
2002-04
2002-06
2002-11
2003-05
2003-06
2003-12
2004-07
2004-08

Technical development, in general, aims at higher efficiency of power generation for the purpose of reducing
the environmental load and CO2 emission; however, concrete issues include the following:
(1) High-temperature gas turbine aiming at further improvement of thermal efficiency of combined cycle power
generation
(2) Making coal utilization technology starting with coal gasification combined cycle power generation system
more sophisticated
Thermal power plants consist of a boiler, turbine, and generator, and the efficiency of power generation was
increased through the larger capacity of the configuration of the basic equipment and sophistication of running
conditions (mainly higher temperature and pressure of the stem cycle system). Gross thermal efficiency was
increased from about 30% 40 years ago to 40% currently. This 40% was achieved by the ultra-supercritical
pressure power generation system. For the purpose of increasing the efficiency further, the development of
combined cycle power generation technology is in progress. Through this development, we can aim at 50%
efficiency. This technology aims, in addition to the conventional steam cycle, to combine the gas turbine cycle to
improve the efficiency of power generation comprehensively through power generation from both cycles.
Combined cycle power generation using natural gas is becoming mainstream in new thermal power generation
technology as combined cycle power generation. Further, the development of a ceramic turbine blade is in
progress to improve the efficiency by causing higher temperature. With respect to the use of coal related to the
reduction of CO2 emission, although the pulverized coal combustion system has been adopted in recent years for
the purpose of improving efficiency, the integrated coal gratification combined cycle (IGCC) is the target of
development to improve efficiency further.
The fluidized bed generation system is a generation system that uses fluidized bed combustion. The
commercialization of fluidized bed combustion was propelled as a combustion system of flame-resistant materials.
However, in recent years, the excellent environmental characteristics of fluidized bed combustion, such as
desulfurization in furnace and low NOx combustion, are receiving attention. From the viewpoint of improving
efficiency, the development and commercialization of the pressurized fluidized bed combined cycle generation
system (PFBC) are in progress. In light of its intrinsic characteristics, it is also considered that it will pave the
way for mixed fuel power generation with coal and biomass (especially waste).

11