Overview
Okuyoshino is a 1,206 MW hydroelectric power plant in Japan, operated by Kansai. It is a major pumped-storage facility contributing to grid stability.
Okuyoshino is a large-scale hydroelectric power plant located in Japan, with an installed capacity of 1,206 megawatts. Operated by Kansai Electric Power, it plays a key role in the country's energy mix, leveraging Japan's mountainous terrain for pumped-storage hydroelectricity. The plant utilizes pumped-storage technology, which allows it to store energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir during low demand and releasing it to generate electricity during peak demand. This technology is essential for balancing the grid, especially with the increasing share of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind in Japan. As a pumped-storage facility, Okuyoshino provides critical grid services such as frequency regulation and load following. Its large capacity makes it one of the significant hydroelectric assets in Japan, supporting the country's energy security and transition to a low-carbon power system.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation, particularly pumped-storage, has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. Okuyoshino's operation involves water management that may influence downstream habitats. The plant's location in a mountainous region of Japan means it interacts with forested watersheds, which are important for biodiversity and water quality. Proper environmental management is necessary to mitigate impacts on fish migration and sediment transport.
Frequently asked questions
Okuyoshino is located in Japan, specifically in the mountainous region of Nara Prefecture, near the town of Okuyoshino.
Okuyoshino has an installed capacity of 1,206 megawatts, making it one of the largest pumped-storage hydroelectric plants in Japan.
Okuyoshino is operated by Kansai Electric Power Company, a major utility in the Kansai region of Japan.
Pumped-storage hydroelectricity stores energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir during low demand and releasing it to generate electricity during peak demand. Okuyoshino uses this technology to help balance the grid and integrate renewable energy.
Hydroelectric plants in Japan must comply with the River Law and the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, which require assessments of water flow, ecosystem impacts, and measures to mitigate environmental harm.