Overview
Otori is a 182 MW hydroelectric power plant in Japan, operated by EPDC. It contributes to the country's renewable energy mix.
Otori is a hydroelectric power plant located in Japan, with an installed capacity of 182 MW. The facility is owned and operated by EPDC and is currently operational. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, playing a role in Japan's renewable energy portfolio. Japan's power generation sector is regulated under national standards that emphasize energy efficiency and emission reductions. Hydroelectric plants like Otori benefit from stable water resources and are considered a mature technology. The plant's capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for hydroelectric facilities in Japan. The environmental significance of Otori lies in its use of a renewable energy source, which produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions during operation. However, hydroelectric projects can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's location in a mountainous region suggests it may be part of a cascade system, contributing to grid stability and regional energy supply.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation in Japan is subject to environmental regulations that address water flow management, fish passage, and ecosystem conservation. The Otori plant, with its 182 MW capacity, operates without direct air emissions, but its reservoir and water diversion can alter local hydrology and aquatic habitats. Typical hydro projects in Japan are often in rural or mountainous regions, balancing energy needs with environmental stewardship.
Frequently asked questions
The Otori hydroelectric power plant is located in Japan, with coordinates approximately 37.2147 N, 139.2139 E. It is situated in a region suitable for hydropower generation.
The Otori power plant has an installed capacity of 182 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale hydroelectric facility in Japan.
The Otori hydroelectric plant is owned by EPDC, a Japanese power generation company. Typically the owner also manages operations.
Hydroelectric plants in Japan must comply with national environmental laws, including the River Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, which address water flow, ecosystem protection, and land use. Plants like Otori are subject to periodic reviews to ensure minimal ecological disruption.
Otori contributes to Japan's renewable energy generation, helping to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Hydroelectric power provides stable, low-carbon electricity, supporting grid stability and climate goals.