Overview
Tomakomai Mill power station is a 73 MW coal-fired power plant in Tomakomai, Japan, operated by Oji Paper Co Ltd. It supplies electricity to the local industrial grid.
Tomakomai Mill power station is a coal-fired power plant located in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan. With a capacity of 73 MW, it is a small-scale facility within Japan's power generation sector, primarily serving the energy needs of the adjacent paper mill owned by Oji Paper Co Ltd. 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 unit, it is subject to emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, and may utilize technologies such as electrostatic precipitators or flue-gas desulfurization to meet compliance standards. This facility plays a key role in supporting the industrial operations of the Tomakomai region, providing reliable baseload power to the paper manufacturing process. Its location in an industrial area minimizes direct impact on populated zones, though its coal fuel source contributes to Japan's overall carbon footprint, aligning with national efforts to transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Environmental context
The plant's coal combustion releases CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to local and regional air quality concerns. Tomakomai's coastal location may influence dispersion patterns, while proximity to industrial zones reduces direct exposure to dense residential areas. Japan's regulatory framework mandates continuous emission monitoring and adherence to strict standards, mitigating some environmental risks.
Frequently asked questions
Tomakomai Mill power station is located in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan, at coordinates 42.635900 N, 141.588600 E.
The plant has a capacity of 73 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale coal-fired power plant.
The plant is owned and operated by Oji Paper Co Ltd, a major Japanese paper manufacturing company.
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 addresses CO2 emissions.
As a coal-fired plant, it contributes to Japan's baseload power supply, but the country is gradually reducing coal reliance in favor of natural gas, renewables, and nuclear energy to meet climate goals.