Overview
Matsukawa Geothermal, operated by Tohoku Electric Power Co in Japan, is an operational geothermal power plant with a capacity of 23.5 MW, contributing to the country's renewable energy mix.
Matsukawa Geothermal is a geothermal power plant located in Japan, operated by Tohoku Electric Power Co. With a capacity of 23.5 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the geothermal sector, which plays a key role in Japan's renewable energy strategy. The plant is operational and contributes to the regional power grid. Geothermal power plants like Matsukawa utilize heat from the Earth's subsurface to generate electricity, producing minimal CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. Japan has significant geothermal potential due to its volcanic activity, and the sector is supported by national policies promoting renewable energy. The plant's technology and operational practices align with Japan's regulatory framework for renewable energy, including feed-in tariffs and environmental standards. Matsukawa Geothermal provides a stable, baseload power source to the local grid, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. Its operation supports Japan's goals for energy diversification and carbon reduction. The plant's location in a geologically active region ensures a consistent heat source, making it a reliable component of the regional energy infrastructure.
Environmental context
Geothermal power generation has a low carbon footprint, with minimal CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. However, it can release trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide and other gases. The plant's location in a volcanic region may pose risks of seismic activity, but modern geothermal facilities are designed to mitigate such hazards. The facility's small capacity (23.5 MW) limits its environmental impact, and it operates under Japan's strict environmental regulations, including the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures.
Frequently asked questions
Matsukawa Geothermal is located in Japan, operated by Tohoku Electric Power Co. The plant's coordinates are approximately 39.9271° N, 140.9333° E.
Matsukawa Geothermal has a capacity of 23.5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale geothermal power plant.
Matsukawa Geothermal is operated by Tohoku Electric Power Co, a major Japanese utility company.
Geothermal power plants produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants, providing a low-carbon, baseload renewable energy source. They also have a small land footprint and can operate continuously.
Geothermal plants in Japan are regulated under the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures and the Renewable Energy Special Measures Act, which includes feed-in tariffs and environmental impact assessments to ensure sustainable operation.