Press Releases 2013

The commercial operation of Unit 6 of Hirono Thermal Power Station (600 MW) has commenced today.
Ultra super critical (USC) method was adopted for the power generation equipment in Unit 6 of Hirono Thermal Power, and it achieved the world's highest thermal efficiency of 45.2% as the coal-fired thermal power station.
It is TEPCO's third coal-fired thermal power station of following Unit 5 of Hirono Thermal Power Station and Unit 1 of Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station, and the total output of Units 1 to 6 in Hirono Thermal Power Station has become 4,400 MW.

The features of Unit 6 of Hirono Thermal Power Station are as follows.

1. Coal: excellent in stability and economy
Coal is expected to ensure stable supply, since it is widely distributed in many countries such as China, United States, India and Australia, and is minable for more than 100 years which is the longest period compared to the other fossil fuels. Also, it is excellent in economy.
Coal used in Unit 6 is transported from overseas by a ship and temporarily stored at Onahama Call Center (Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture). Then, it is transferred to Hirono Thermal Power Station by the special carrier "Yamayuri" and "Yamasakura."

2. The world's highest thermal efficiency of 45.2% as the coal-fired thermal power station
By adopting the ultra super critical (USC) method, we aim to increase the temperature and the pressure of steam which is sent to the turbine.
48 inch blade, the same design as that of Unit 5 of Hirono Thermal Power Station, is adopted in low pressure turbine which enables the world's highest thermal efficiency of 45.2% as the coal-fired thermal power station. As a result, it contributes to reduce CO₂ emission.

3. Environment-friendly coal-fired thermal power station
Low NOx (nitrogen oxide) combustor and NOx removal equipment have been introduced in order to reduce SOx (sulfur oxide) and NOx. Further, electric dust collector and hermetic belt conveyor have been installed to prevent dust and coal dust from splattering for air pollution mitigation.

4. Recycle promotion
Byproduct such as coal ash, etc. generated from coal-fired thermal power station will be utilized efficiently as raw material for cement.

We will continue our efforts in securing stable power supply through ensuring the steady operation and maintenance of power facilities.