Ashoro Hydroelectric Power Station Unit 1 Begins Commercial Operation: Comprehensive Renovations Completed for Plant Operating over 60 Years

Ashoro Hydroelectric Power Station Unit No.1 began commercial operations on March 21, 2023, after completing modernization (renovations) of the main facilities that began in June 2021. Unit 1 capacity of Unit 1 was increased by 1,150 kw to 21,250 kW. Unit 2 also completed a comprehensive renovation program, including the water turbine generator and other major equipment (commercial operation began on February 19, 2021)

Key Highlights:

* Unit 2 and Unit 1 have total installed output of 42,300 kW.

* Currently, the power grid connected to Ashoro has no more capacity, so it is not possible to transmit electricity in excess of the installed capacity of 40,000 kW.

* However, in the future we plan to transmit up to 42,300 kW through non-farm type connections.

Original Press Release:

March 22 -- J-POWER issued the following news release:

Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER, headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Toshifumi Watanabe) announced that Ashoro Hydroelectric Power Station Unit No.1 began commercial operations on March 21, 2023, after completing modernization (renovations) of the main facilities that began in June 2021.

With over 60 years passing since Ashoro Hydroelectric Power Station started commercial operation (in 1955), we have been, since 2019, renovating the water turbine generator and other major equipment to improve reliability and maintenance. After renovations, by applying cutting-edge analysis and design technology, the capacity of Unit 1 was increased by 1,150 kw to 21,250 kW.

Unit 2 also completed a comprehensive renovation program, including the water turbine generator and other major equipment (commercial operation began on February 19, 2021), [1] bringing the total installed output of Units 1 and 2 to 42,300 kW.

Currently, the power grid connected to Ashoro has no more capacity, so it is not possible to transmit electricity in excess of the installed capacity of 40,000 kW. However, in the future we plan to transmit up to 42,300 kW through non-farm type connections.[2]

Based on our experience and track record operating hydroelectric power plants throughout Japan, we will continue working on the sustainable development and stable operation of hydroelectric power generation and other renewable energy projects to achieve carbon neutrality, as stated in J-POWER BLUE MISSION 2050 in February 2021.

Overview of Ashoro Hydroelectric Power Station

Disclaimer: Table can be viewed at: https://www.jpower.co.jp/english/news_release/pdf/news230322e.pdf

Footnotes:

[1] Ashoro Hydroelectric Power Station Unit No. 2 Commenced Commercial Operation after Renewal Works (announced on March 1, 2021)

[2] A non-farm type connection sends the increased output (2,300 kW) by using surplus transmission capacity and substation services when they are available. If the maximum capacity of the transmission lines and substation is exceeded, output will be cut back. As Ashoro Hydroelectric Power Station has a transmission and substation capacity of 40,000 kW, only the increased output (2,300 kW) will be connected in a non-farm type connection.

Source: J-POWER

[Category: Power, Business Expansion]