Press Releases 2013

The commercial operation of Unit 2 of Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station (1,000 MW) has commenced today.
Ultra super critical (USC) method was adopted for the power generation equipment in Unit 2 of Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station, and it achieved the world's highest thermal efficiency of 45.2% among coal-fired thermal power stations.
It is TEPCO's fourth coal-fired thermal power station, following Units 5 and 6 of Hirono Thermal Power Station and Unit 1 of Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station, and the total output of Units 1 and 2 of Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station has become 2,000 MW.

The features of Unit 2 of Hitachinaka 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. In addition, as relatively low-cost, it is an economical fuel, compared to other fossil fuels.

(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 sent to the turbine.
41-inch blade, the same design as that of Unit 1 of Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station, is adopted in low pressure turbine which enables the world's highest thermal efficiency of 45.2% among the coal-fired thermal power stations. As a result, it contributes to reducing CO2 emission.

* The ultra super critical (USC) method generally refers to a phenomenon with the steam temperature of 593℃ and the steam pressure of 24.1 megapascals, utilizing the phenomenon that water immediately turns into steam when water is heated up to the higher degree with high pressure.

(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.

We will continue to make our efforts to secure stable power supply through ensuring the steady operation and maintenance of power facilities.