Overview
Hirohata Works power station is a 290 MW coal-fired plant in Himeji, Japan, operated by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal. It supports industrial operations and contributes to the regional grid.
Hirohata Works power station is a coal-fired power plant located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. With a capacity of 290 MW, it is a medium-sized facility within Japan's power generation sector, primarily serving the industrial needs of its operator, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal. The plant operates under Japan's stringent environmental regulations, including the Air Pollution Control Act and the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures. As a coal-fired facility, it employs technologies such as flue-gas desulfurization and electrostatic precipitators to control SOx, NOx, and particulate matter emissions. The plant's age and specific technology details are not publicly specified, but it likely uses subcritical or supercritical steam cycles typical of Japanese coal plants built in the late 20th century. Located in the industrial heart of Himeji, the plant plays a key role in supporting local steel production and energy security. Its proximity to urban areas necessitates strict adherence to emission standards. The facility contributes to Japan's energy mix, balancing baseload power with renewable sources as the country transitions toward decarbonization.
Environmental context
As a coal-fired power plant, Hirohata Works power station has a significant carbon footprint and emits SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Its location in an industrial area near Himeji requires compliance with Japan's strict air quality standards. The plant's 290 MW capacity places it in a moderate scale band, and its operation by a steel manufacturer suggests potential for combined heat and power or industrial steam supply, which can improve overall efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Hirohata Works power station is located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, at coordinates 34.7854 N, 134.6214 E.
The plant has a capacity of 290 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-sized coal-fired power station.
The plant is owned and operated by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal, a major Japanese steel manufacturer.
Coal power plants in Japan must comply with the Air Pollution Control Act, which sets limits on SOx, NOx, and particulate matter emissions, and the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures, which targets CO2 reductions.
Coal power provides baseload electricity in Japan, accounting for about 30% of the country's generation. The government is gradually reducing coal's share in favor of renewables and nuclear, but existing plants like Hirohata Works remain important for grid stability.