Overview
Shin Takasegawa is a 1,280 MW hydroelectric power plant in Japan, operated by Tokyo. It is a major pumped-storage facility in the Japanese Alps.
Shin Takasegawa is a large-scale hydroelectric power plant located in the mountainous region of the Japanese Alps, Japan. With a capacity of 1,280 MW, it ranks among the country's significant pumped-storage hydroelectric facilities, supporting grid stability and peak demand management. The plant operates as a pumped-storage hydroelectric scheme, utilizing the elevation difference between upper and lower reservoirs to generate electricity during peak hours and pump water back during off-peak periods. This technology is crucial for balancing intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are increasingly integrated into Japan's power grid. As part of Japan's energy infrastructure, Shin Takasegawa contributes to the nation's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing flexible, low-carbon power generation. Its location in a scenic alpine region also highlights the balance between energy development and environmental preservation in Japan's mountainous areas.
Environmental context
The plant's pumped-storage operation has minimal direct emissions, but its construction involved significant landscape alteration in the Japanese Alps. The reservoirs can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. However, hydroelectric power generally has a lower lifecycle carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, supporting Japan's climate targets.
Frequently asked questions
Shin Takasegawa is located in the Japanese Alps, in the Nagano Prefecture region of Japan.
Shin Takasegawa has a capacity of 1,280 megawatts (MW), making it one of Japan's largest pumped-storage hydroelectric plants.
Pumped-storage hydroelectricity uses two reservoirs at different elevations. During low demand, water is pumped uphill to the upper reservoir; during peak demand, water is released downhill to generate electricity.
Hydroelectric plants in Japan must comply with the River Act, the Electric Utility Industry Act, and environmental impact assessments under the Environmental Impact Assessment Law.
Shin Takasegawa provides rapid-response peaking power and grid stabilization, supporting the integration of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind.