Overview
Ikehara is a 350 MW hydroelectric power plant in Japan, operated by EPDC. It contributes to the country's renewable energy mix and grid stability.
Ikehara is a hydroelectric power plant located in Japan, with a capacity of 350 megawatts. The facility is owned by EPDC and is currently operational, playing a role in Japan's renewable energy generation. As a hydroelectric plant, Ikehara utilizes water flow to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion, resulting in low operational emissions. Japan's energy sector is regulated under the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures and the Feed-in Tariff scheme, which support renewable energy deployment. The plant's capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for hydroelectric facilities in Japan. Its operation supports grid stability and contributes to regional energy security, aligning with national goals for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The facility's location in Japan's mountainous terrain suggests it may be part of a cascade system, with potential impacts on downstream habitats. Typical hydro projects in Japan are often in rural or semi-urban settings.
Frequently asked questions
The Ikehara hydroelectric power plant is located in Japan, with coordinates approximately 34.0412 N, 135.9753 E.
The Ikehara power plant has a capacity of 350 megawatts, making it a medium-to-large scale hydroelectric facility.
The Ikehara hydroelectric plant is owned by EPDC (Electric Power Development Company), a major power generation company in Japan.
Hydroelectric plants in Japan operate under the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures and the Feed-in Tariff scheme, which promote renewable energy and set standards for environmental impact assessments.
Hydroelectric power generation has low greenhouse gas emissions but can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change water flow patterns. Proper siting and mitigation measures are required to minimize these impacts.