ELECTRICITY

R E V I E W J A PA N
The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan

2021
History of Japan’s Electric Utility Industry
Transmission Line500kV
Electricity was first used in Japan on March 25, 1878 the electric utility industry as one of the measures for Transmission Line154kV 275kV
at the Institute of Technology in Toranomon, Tokyo democratizing the economy. As a result, nine regional DC Transmission Line
when an arc lamp was switched on in commemoration privately owned and managed General Electricity Switching Station or Substation
Frequency Converter FacilityF.C.
of the opening of the Central Telegraph Office. In those Utilities— Hokkaido, Tohoku, Tokyo, Chubu, Hokuriku,
AC-DC Converter Facility
days, electricity was still unfamiliar and uncommon not Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu Electric Power
only in Japan but also in Europe and the United States. Companies — were established in 1951 and assumed the
In 1886, Tokyo Electric Lighting, a private company, responsibility of supplying electricity to each region.
commenced operations as the nation’s first electric The Okinawa Electric Power Co. was established with
power company, and began supplying electricity to the the return of Okinawa to Japan in 1972.
public in the following year. At the end of the 20th century, a trend toward
In the early days, use of electricity grew primarily for deregulation and competition took hold throughout
lighting because of its safety and cleanness, and society, and the electric utility industry started to be
gradually found broader applications as a power source liberalized. In December 1995, organizations such as
to replace the steam engine. By 1896, the number of independent power producers (IPP) were allowed to 6th Strategic Energy Plan
Shin-
The 6th Strategic Energy Plan, approved in a Cabinet meeting
electric utilities established throughout the nation provide electricity wholesale services, and in March Shinano
in October 2021, outlines a more “ambitious” than ever roadmap
F.C.
reached a total of 33. The early 20th century marked the 2000, electricity retail supply for extra-high voltage users to carving out a future toward the goal of achieving carbon
neutrality in 2050.
establishment of long-distance transmission technology. (demand exceeding 2MW) was liberalized. The scope of The Strategic Energy Plan dictates the direction of Japan’s
As larger thermal and hydro-power plants were retail liberalization was then expanded in April 2004 to energy policy in the mid-to-long term with S+3E (Safety + Energy
Security, Environment, Economic Efficiency) as its backbone, and
introduced, generation costs fell and electricity came users of more than 500kW, and subsequently in April Sakuma includes challenges facing demand and supply, responses to
Higashi-Shimizu
into wider use throughout the country. Consequently, 2005 to users of more than 50kW. Thus, a Japanese F.C. F.C. those challenges, and the outlook for energy demand and supply.
The history of the Strategic Energy Plan dates back to 2003 when
electricity became an indispensable energy source for model of liberalization based on fair competition and 60Hz 50Hz it was first created based on the Basic Act on Energy Policy, and
was last revised in 2018 as the 5th Strategic Energy Plan.
peoples’ lives and industry. transparency, while maintaining the vertical integration The proportion of renewable energy in the FY2030 energy
In the years that followed, the electricity utility of generation, transmission and distribution to ensure a mix indicated in this 6th iteration of the Plan has been increased
significantly compared to previous targets (set out in the long-
business grew in tandem with the modernization of Japan stable supply of electricity, was established. term energy supply and demand outlook published in 2015),
and development of its industry. At the same time, the With the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station while the proportion of nuclear power remains the same and
thermal power was decreased. As a result, the proportion of non-
electric utility industry experienced a major restructuring accident and subsequent tight demand and supply brought fossil fuel energies will increase to approximately 60% of the
that led to the dissolution of 700 electric utilities, which about by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 as energy mix. On the demand side, energy efficiency targets have
been advanced to reduce use by 62Ml (megaliter) in crude oil
merged to create five major electric utilities after the First a turning point, a policy to implement three-phase reforms equivalent (previous targets aimed to reduce use by 50.3Ml).
World War. During the Second World War, the electric of the electric power system was adopted in 2013. Japan’s Energy Supply Situation & Development of
2030 Energy Mix 2 Key points in the 6th Strategic Energy Plan
utility industry was completely state-controlled and In 2015, the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination
Do the utmost to turn renewable power into a main
utilities were integrated into Nihon Hatsusoden Co. of Transmission Operators, JAPAN (OCCTO) was established Nuclear Safety & Market Liberalization 4 power source
Follow the principle of deploying renewables as a top
(a nationwide power generating and transmitting in the first phase of reform, in 2016, new entry into the Electric Power Sources 6
Renewable
energy
priority
Deploy renewables as much as possible while curbing the
state-owned company) and nine distribution companies. electricity retail market was fully liberalized in the second burden on the public and ensuring renewables can exist
Nuclear Fuel Cycle 8 in harmony with the local region
After the end of World War II in 1945, supply and phase, and in 2020, the transmission / distribution sector
Environmental Conservation 10 Reduce reliance on nuclear power as much as possible
demand for electricity remained very tight in Japan. A was legally unbundled in the third phase. Restart nuclear power plants with safety as the top
priority
series of intense discussions were held on restructuring International Exchanges 15 Nuclear Promote the nuclear fuel cycle policy
power Conduct literature surveys in many areas for final disposal
Location of Power Stations 16 Conduct demonstrations of small module reactor
technologies in cooperation with other countries, etc.
FEPC 18 Reduce the percentage of thermal power in the power
Thermal mix as much as possible while maintaining a certain level
Business Addresses Cover 3 power of facility capacity with stable supply as a major premise
Position hydrogen and ammonia as new resources and
Note: Nine Companies include Hokkaido, Tohoku, Tokyo, Chubu, Hokuriku, Kansai,
Hydrogen/ accelerate efforts toward application
ammonia (advance demonstrations for co-firing and single-fuel
Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu. firing in gas and coal-fired thermal power plants)
Ten Companies include the above Nine Companies plus Okinawa.

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Japan’s Energy Supply Situation & Development of 2030 Energy Mix

Japan’s Energy Supply Situation Development of 2030 Energy Mix

Resource-poor Japan is dependent on imports for nearly electricity supply, it is crucial to establish an optimal After the Great East Japan Earthquake, almost all The Energy Mix proposes, in addition to a firm
90% of its energy. Thus, Japan’s energy supply structure is combination of power sources that can concurrently deliver nuclear power stations have been halted and thermal power commitment to reduce overall energy consumption, that
extremely vulnerable. Following the two oil crises in the energy security, economic efficiency, and environmental generation accounts for most of the energy mix. As a result, renewables should account for around 36-38%, nuclear for
1970s, Japan has diversified its energy sources through conservation, while making safety the top priority. Japan’s energy self-sufficiency ratio has dropped from 20.2% around 22-20%, hydrogen and ammonia for around 1%, and
increased use of nuclear energy, natural gas and coal, as well This requires turning renewable power into a main at the time before the Earthquake to 6.4% in FY2014 and thermal power based on fossil fuels for around 41% (around
as the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation. power source, using nuclear power generation including fuel costs have nearly doubled from 3.6 trillion yen to 7.2 20% LNG, 19% coal, and 2% oil).
Despite these improvements, oil still accounts for about the nuclear fuel cycle as much as possible with the major trillion yen in the same time period. The increase in thermal In view of the Energy Mix decided by the Government,
40% of Japan’s primary energy supply, and nearly 90% premise of safety, and the continued use of high-efficiency, power generation has also increased CO2 emissions. electric power companies will actively strive to achieve
of imported oil comes from the Middle East. Moreover, low-carbonized or decarbonized thermal power to achieve a In October 2021, in light of these observations, the carbon neutrality in 2050 with the S+3E as a premise.
although Japan has one of the highest proportions of balanced energy mix. Government decided on an “Energy Mix” for FY2030 with
electricity demand in total energy demand exceeding The “6th Strategic Energ y Plan” revised by the the basic objectives of overcoming the challenges facing
40%, prospects for importing electricity from neighboring Government in October 2021 also states that nuclear power, Japan’s energy supply and demand structure and providing
countries are very poor because Japan is an island nation. as an energy that does not emit greenhouse gasses during a roadmap for realizing the new reduction goals for 2050
In addition, there is an urgent need for global warming operation, is an important base load power source that can, carbon neutrality and reduction of emissions by 46% aiming
countermeasures such as reduction of carbon dioxide strictly premised on safety, contribute to the long-term for 50% from FY2013 levels in FY2030.
emissions from the use of energy. To ensure Japan’s stable stability of the supply and demand structure of energy.

Source: IEA "Data and statistics” Source: Petroleum Association of Japan Source: METI "Long-term Energy Supply and Demand Outlook”

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Nuclear Safety & Market Liberalization

Electric Power Companies’ Commitment to Safety Fair Competition and Transparency

Measures at Nuclear Power Plants The electric power market in Japan has been progressively electricity retail and generation sectors, and futher ensuring
The Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 practices, a new organization, the Atomic Energ y liberalized to ensure competitive neutrality on the basis of neutrality in the transmission / distribution sector through the
led to a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Association (ATENA), was established to effectively utilize a stable power supply by the former ten General Electricity legal unbundling while thoroughly inspecting each phase to
Power Station, resulting in the release of radioactive the knowledge and resources of the entire nuclear industry, Utilities, which consistently handle all functions from power solve any issues and taking necessary measures based on the
materials into the environment. formulate effective measures while engaging in a continuing generation to distribution. results of the inspections.
Determined to avoid a repeat of this accident, the electric dialogue with regulators and others, and encourage nuclear In 1995, a law was revised to enable IPPs to participate in As practitioners, the electric power companies would
power companies have been taking both tangible and operators to incorporate these measures in their plant the electricity wholesale market in addition to conventional like to continue taking an active role in the deliberation so
intangible measures since immediately after the accident, operations. The electric power companies will work to general electrical utilities. Then, in March 2000, use of the the markets will be organized to secure the stable supply of
starting with emergency safety measures including the reliably incorporate the safety measures decided by ATENA transmission/distribution network owned by the electric power electricity, including the market transactions that are already
installation of additional emergency power source vehicles in their safety improvement initiatives to continuously companies was liberalized, and the retail market was partially active, and so that the electric power system reform will truly
and fire engines, as well as upgrading procedure manuals reduce risk and recover the trust of society. liberalized to allow power producers and suppliers (PPSs) to bring benefits to the customers.
and conducting drills. Also, in July 2013, the new regulatory requirements set sell electricity to extra-high voltage users requiring more than
Even after implementing the emergency safety measures, forth by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) were put 2MW. The scope of liberalization was then expanded in April
Column
electric power companies are working to further improve into effect. As of December 2021, electric power companies 2004 to users requiring more than 500kW, and subsequently
safety and reliability. have applied for a review of conformance with the new in April 2005 to users requiring more than 50kW. Then, in Overview of the Electricity System Reform
To enable these efforts to be constantly and objectively regulatory requirements for 27 units in 16 power stations. 17 April 2016, all users including individual households and retail The following revisions to the Electricity Business Act related to
stores were included in the scope of this liberalization so that the reforms of the electric power system were passed into law in
evaluated, the Japan Nuclear Safety Institute(JANSI), which units have passed the review, and ten of them have restarted
November 2013.
evaluates the safety improvement activities of electric power commercial operation. everyone is free to choose an electric power company and
Phase 1: Enforced in April 2015
companies and gives them technical advice, and the Nuclear price menu. Electric power companies have responded to this
Column
(1) Establishment of the “Organization for Cross-regional
Risk Research Center(NRRC), which uses Probabilistic Risk trend of liberalization by increasing their business efficiency Coordination of Transmission Operators, JAPAN”
Assessment(PRA) and proposes solutions based on R&D, Operation for over 40 years of Mihama Unit 3 while lowering electricity prices and offering a variety of (Enhancement of nationwide grid operation)
Phase 2: Enforced in April 2016
were established. The electric power companies take to heart In the Nuclear Reactor Regulation Law revised and put into effect pricing plans. (2) Full liberalization of entry to electricity retail business
in 2013, the operational life of a nuclear power plant was set by With the three goals of ensuring supply stability,
the evaluations and recommendations and are striving to Abolishment of wholesale regulations
regulators at 40 years with a one-time extension by up to 20 years
suppressing electricity rates to the maximum extent possible, Phase 3: Enforced in April 2020
achieve the highest safety level in the world. contingent upon regulatory approval.
(3) Implementation of the legal unbundling of the electricity
In July 2018, so that these autonomous and continuous In addition to the safety measures to conform to the new and expanding the options for consumers and the business transmission and distribution department (for ensuring
regulatory requirements, the Kansai Electric Power Company’s
initiative of the nuclear industry become established opportunities for operators, the government has advanced the further neutrality)
Mihama Unit 3, which started operating in 1976, was approved for
reforms in three phases through the three key measures of (4) Abolishment of the retail price regulations
an extension of its operational life in November 2016, after obtained
Natural disasters Installation within 5 years permission to amend the reactor installation license and approval of enhancing nationwide grid operation, full deregulation of the
Plane crash, etc. the construction plan in October 2016
following detailed facility soundness
confirmations. The plant was restarted
in April 2021 with the agreement of
the siting region of Fukui Prefecture.
The 40-year “operational life” is
not indicative of the true lifespan
of a nuclear power plant. Nuclear
power plants are designed and
constructed with generous margins
and, with appropriate maintenance
and constant updating to conform
with technical standards, can be
continuously operated safely for more Steam generator of Mihama
than 40 years. Unit 3 being replaced

Filtered vent

Tsunami

Earthquake

4 5
Electric Power Sources

Optimal Combination of Power Sources

Electric power companies in resource-poor Japan are Hydroelectric Power Thermal Power Nuclear Power
committed to developing an optimal combination of power Hydroelectric power has been one of the few self- Initially, coal was the dominant fuel for thermal power Japan’s first commercial nuclear power plant started
sources including hydro, thermal and nuclear power in sufficient energy resources in resource-poor Japan for more generation in Japan, but it later lost that place to oil. Today, a operation in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1966. The electric utility
order to provide electricity, which is essential for modern than 100 years. Hydroelectric power is an excellent source diverse range of fuels including coal, oil, and LNG are used industry believes that nuclear power generation will retain
living, in a stable manner at the lowest prices. in terms of stable supply and generation cost over the long for the important generating role that thermal power plants an important position in the optimal combination of power
As electricity is nearly impossible to store in large term. Though it used to compare unfavorably with thermal play. In particular, LNG-fired plants are playing a central sources from the viewpoint of assuring energy security and
quantities, electric power companies generate electricity power for some time, hydroelectric power saw a renaissance role in regulating renewable energy supply, in response to mitigating global warming.
by combining various power sources, considering optimal following the oil crisis. global environmental concerns as LNG-fired plants emit Electric utilities are firmly committed to implementing
operational and economic performance, to ensure that Although the steady development of hydroelectric less CO2 and other pollutants. extensive voluntary safety measures by adopting best
fluctuating demand, such as during the daytime in the power plants is desired, Japan has used nearly all potential To enhance thermal efficiency further, combined-cycle practice from both Japan and overseas, while also complying
height of summer, can always be met. sites for constructing large-scale hydroelectric facilities, power plants with both gas and steam turbines have been with the new regulatory requirements following the accident
and so recent developments have been on a smaller scale. installed. As a result, gross thermal efficiency (maximum at the Fukushima-daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
As the gap in demand between daytime and nighttime designed value) has exceeded 60%. In the future, we will We will also continue to publish the latest information
continues to widen, electric power companies also has continue to research and develop new technologies in order to contribute to the safety of nuclear power generation
developed pumped-storage power generation plants to meet to increase thermal efficiency as well as the use of integrated throughout the world.
peak demand. As a result, the share of pumped-storage coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation.
generation facilities of the total hydroelectric power capacity
in Japan has grown year-by-year.

Okumino Hydroelectric Power Station (Pumped-storage) Kawasaki Thermal Power Station (LNG Combined-cycle) Ohi Nuclear Power Station (PWR)

Takami Hydroelectric Power Station Yoshinoura Thermal Power Station (LNG-fired) Ohma Nuclear Power Station (ABWR, Under Construction)

6 7
Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Japan's Nuclear Fuel Cycle The Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy

The nuclear fuel cycle is a series of processes consisting of In the past, Japan has relied on countries such as the U.K. Japan’s electric power companies are fully committed to The results of each of these Japanese initiatives were
reprocessing spent fuel that has been used at nuclear power and France to reprocess most of the spent fuel it produced. implementing the closed nuclear fuel cycle and plutonium reflected in the IAEA’s conclusion in June 2004, which
plants and recovering and recycling plutonium and residual However, to place Japan’s domestic nuclear fuel cycle on utilization consistent with all domestic laws and international stated that all the nuclear materials in Japan are protected
uranium as nuclear fuel. a firmer footing, Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL) is nonproliferation standards. Since 1955, the domestic laws of under IAEA safeguards and are not being diverted to
Japan has chosen a closed nuclear fuel cycle policy since preparing for completion of construction of a reprocessing Japan require that all nuclear activities, including commercial the manufacture of nuclear weapons. As a result, more
the dawn of its nuclear power generation development. plant at a site in Rokkasho-mura in the northern prefecture activities, be conducted only for peaceful purposes. Also, effective and efficient IAEA safeguards known as integrated
Having few resources, Japan decided to recycle spent of Aomori. JNFL’s spent fuel reprocessing plant passed the since 1968, Japan has embraced the “Three Non-Nuclear safeguards came into effect in Japan in September 2004.
nuclear fuel domestically in order to establish nuclear power Nuclear Regulation Authority’s conformance review in July Principles,” which state that Japan will not possess, produce, Furthermore, the 6th Strategic Energy Plan states the
as a homegrown energy source. The benefits of a closed 2020 and the plant is scheduled to be completed in the first or permit the entry of nuclear weapons into its territory. following concerning the handling of plutonium. Japan
nuclear fuel cycle for Japan are significant: it conserves half of FY2022. In addition, in 1976, the Government of Japan ratified will maintain the policy of possessing no plutonium
uranium resources; and it reduces the volume of high-level In addition, JNFL engages in uranium enrichment, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and thereby reserves without specified purposes and using it only for
radioactive waste that must be disposed of. temporary storage of vitrified waste, and disposal of low-level obligated itself to a national policy not to produce or acquire peaceful purposes, while steadily advancing the use of
Reprocessing is a chemical process that recovers radioactive waste. It has also working on constructing a MOX nuclear weapons. In order to ensure the application of more plutonium in order to reduce the plutonium stockpile while
plutonium and reusable uranium from spent fuel and fuel fabrication plant which also passed the Nuclear Regulation extensive safeguards, Japan signed the IAEA Additional contributing to nuclear non-proliferation and gaining the
separates radioactive wastes into more manageable forms. Authority’s conformance review in December 2020 and the Protocol in 1998, which allows the IAEA to carry out a understanding of the international community. To make
Once recovered, the plutonium is ready to be re-introduced plant is scheduled to be completed in first half of FY2024. range of additional inspection measures. In accordance these efforts effective, Japan will manage and use plutonium
into the nuclear power plants in the form known as Electric utilities regard nuclear power as an important with national laws, Japan’s electric power companies submit appropriately by further promoting pluthermal* while paying
uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. Under the power source for Japan from viewpoints such as assuring reports on material accounting and safeguards activities due consideration to the balance of plutonium collected
policy of possessing no plutonium reserves without specified energy security and mitigating global warming. We will to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and and utilized, and promote R&D of fast reactors through
purposes, Japan’s electric power companies have sincerely make the utmost effort to establish the nuclear fuel cycle on Technology, and accept joint inspections by the IAEA and international cooperation with the United States and France.
committed to a plan to utilize recovered plutonium – in the the premise of securing thorough safety. Japanese regulatory authorities to check the reports. * the use of plutonium - uranium mixed oxide fuel at nuclear power plants
form of MOX fuel – as soon as possible.
Column

’
On the Start of the Literature Survey on the Final Disposal
Facility Reprocessing MOX fuel fabrication Vitrified waste Uranium enrichment Low-level radioactive
Plant plant storage center plant waste disposal center of High-Level Radioactive Waste
Iyasakatai, Rokkasho, Ooishitai, Rokkasho,
Site Kamikita-gun, Aomori Prefecture Kamikita-gun, Aomori Prefecture Literature surveys were started in Suttsu-cho and Kamoenai-mura,
Maximum capacity: Maximum capacity: Storage capacity for Design capacity Planned to be expanded Hokkaido in November 2020, beginning the final disposal site selection
800 ton-U/year 130 ton-HM/year (*) wastes returned from 1,500 ton-SWU/year (*) to 600,000m3 (equivalent process for high-level radioactive waste.
Capacity overseas plants: to 3 million of waste drums)
Storage capacity 2,880 canisters of There are three stages to the high-level radioactive waste site
for spent fuel: vitrified waste (*) "ton-HM" stands for "tons of heavy
3,000 ton-U metal" which indicates the weight of selection process, the “literature survey”, which involves desk research
Current Cumulative number of In operation using the new Cumulative number of
plutonium and uranium metallic into areas that are not well-suited to being disposal sites, the “preliminary
Under construction Under construction content in MOX.
Status received canisters: 1,830 centrifuge received drums: about 334,235
"SWU" stands for "Separative Work Unit"
investigation”, which involves drilling to analyze the characteristics of the
Start of construction: Start of construction: Start of construction: Start of construction: Start of construction: which is a measure of the work geographical layers, and the “detailed investigation”, where a facility for
1993 2010 1992 1988 1990 expended during an enrichment investigation will be built underground to investigate the ground layers
Schedule Completion of construction: Completion of construction: Start of storage: Start of operation: Start of operation: process of uranium
The first half of The first half of 1995 1992 1992 in detail.
FY2022 (planned) FY2024 (planned) Sources: JNFL’s website and others The local community’s opinion will be consulted at each stage of the
investigation and the law requires that the investigation be stopped with
if they are opposed.

Status of MOX Fuel Utilization

In the New Pluthermal Program published in December 2020, the
Discharge of ALPS Treated Water into the Sea from the electric power industry is looking at all operating reactors to introduce
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station MOX fuel in as many units as possible by way of as a mid-to-long term
The national government issued its policy on discharging ALPS treated effort premised on the understanding of the local community. It aims to
water generated at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into introduce MOX fuel in at least 12 reactors by FY2030.
the sea in April 2021. TEPCO is preparing for discharge scheduled to start So far 27 units have applied for a review of conformance with the new
2 years the determination of said policy. The government and TEPCO regulatory requirements, out of which 9 units have received permission
will secure safety by ensuring that the all indicators for the ALPS treated to introduce MOX fuel and have gained the understanding of the local
water are significantly below regulatory requirements, and intends to municipalities. 4 units have restarted operation using MOX fuel thus far.
curb reputational damage due to discharge. With local municipalities The electric power companies recognize the importance of improving
and people in the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries, monitoring the transparency of the MOX fuel project. Based on the outlook of
of indicators before and after discharge will be ramped up. TEPCO will individual companies toward restarting nuclear power plants and
be disseminating the objectivity and transparency of monitoring and considering the schedule and other details of the plan to start up
the safety of the treated water with the cooperation of the International the reprocessing plant, we compiled and announced the Plutonium
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Utilization Plan.

8 9
Environmental Conservation

Measures by the Electric Utility Industry to Suppress CO2 Emissions Low-carbonization/decarbonization of Energy on the Supply-side
Promoting nuclear power generation while assuring safety, improving the thermal efficiency of
In 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the thermal power into a low-carbonized or decarbonized power
thermal power plants further, and developing decarbonization technologies
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change source in order to decarbonize whole power sources.
(COP21) held in December 2015, the Paris Agreement, an To address these challenges, in May 2021, we published Nuclear power emits no carbon dioxide (CO2) in the combustion temperature at the gas turbines. (JERA’s Nishi-
international framework for climate change after 2020, was our initiatives for achieving carbon neutrality in 2050. process of power generation, and even considering CO 2 Nagoya Thermal Power Station Unit 7-1 has achieved the
adopted and put into effect in November 2016. We will gather all our technologies and knowledge to emissions over the entire life cycle of various energy sources, world’s highest thermal efficiency of 63.08% (LHV) (as of
The Paris Agreement set out a global long-term target of actively work on decarbonizing power sources on the supply those from nuclear power are lower than those from thermal March 2018))
keeping the average rise in global temperature from before side and promote electrification as much as possible on the power, and are even lower than those from solar or wind As for conventional coal-fired power plants, the steam
the industrial revolution to below 2°C, and requires all demand side premised on S+3E (safety + energy security, power. However, because of the extended shutdown of nuclear conditions (temperature and pressure) are being made better
signatory countries to set out emission reduction targets to economic efficiency, environment). power plants following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and to improve thermal efficiency, and ultra-supercritical (USC)
work toward. In July 2015, 35 electricity power companies jointly subsequent increase in thermal power generation, the CO2 thermal power generation with a main steam temperature of
In December 2018, countries came together again in constructed a voluntary framework for a low carbon society emission factor remains at high levels. 600°C is now commercially available. Moreover, research and
COP24 to agree on rules to implement the Agreement and and prepared an “Action Plan for a Low-Carbon Society” Considering that nuclear power generation will development of the Integrated coal Gasification Combined
started full-scale efforts in January 2020. that laid out specific efforts to be made. In February 2016, continuously play a key role in combating global warming, Cycle (IGCC), in which gasified coal is used in combination
In COP26 held in November 2021 in Glasgow, England, “the Electric Power Council for a Low-Carbon Society the industry is committed to making the utmost effort to with gas turbines and steam turbines to generate electricity,
countries came to an agreement on the remaining challenge (ELCS)” was founded to facilitate efforts toward this goal (a improve the safety of nuclear power generation and to restore has been advanced, and in June 2013, Joban Joint Power’s
of trading carbon emissions, completing the Paris Agreement membership of 65 companies as of December 2021). the trust of citizens. Nakoso Power Station Unit 10 started operation as Japan’s
rulebook. Efforts based on this Rulebook is expected to help In October 2021, amidst rising interest and expectations The electric power companies are also continuing to first commercial IGCC plant. Low carbonization initiatives
cut the world’s carbon emissions. for achieving carbon neutrality in 2050, we renamed the strive to maintain and improve the efficiency of thermal continue to progress steadily—a large scale IGCC plant is
On the domestic front in October 2020, the Japanese “Action Plan for a Low-Carbon Society” as the “Carbon power plants by introducing highly efficient plants of the being constructed and preparation for a demonstration project
government declared that it will aim to achieve carbon Neutrality Action Plan” to powerfully push forward these latest design, replacing aging thermal power plants, choosing of Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle
neutrality by 2050, and in April 2021, announced a new measures. highly efficient equipment when introducing new equipment, (IGFC) that combined fuel batteries with IGCC is underway
reduction target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by The end-user CO2 emission factor currently at around and appropriate operation and maintenance of the existing in Osakikamijima in Hiroshima Prefecture.
46% striving toward 50% from FY2013 levels in 2030. The 0.37kg- CO 2 /kWh is being reviewed by the council equipment. We are pursuing innovation and adoption of a Demonstration tests and investigations to realize
cabinet also approved of the new “Plan for Global Warming according to the Carbon Neutrality Action Plan in light of wide range of technologies including hydrogen/ammonia hydrogen/ammonia generation and CCUS are also underway.
Countermeasures” and “Japan’s Long-term Strategy under the the Government’s 2030 energy supply and demand outlook. generation, CCUS and carbon recycling, without betting Coal, LNG, and oil as fuel for thermal power generation,
Paris Agreement” based on these targets in October 2021. Moreover, a reduction of about 11 million tons of CO2 can exclusively on one to realize thermal power decarbonization. each have their own unique characteristics including level of
To achieve these targets, the supply side, which is be expected if all goes according to plan using economically Currently operating state-of -the-art gas turbine combined geopolitical risk, and we believe that Japan will need to strike
responsible for approximately 40% of Japan’s carbon achievable best available technologies (BATs) when building cycle power plants have achieved the world’s highest level of the right fuel balance for energy security.
emissions, will need to turn renewable energy into a main new thermal power plants. 62% (LHV) in thermal efficiency by, for example, raising the
power source, maximally use nuclear power, and turn

Note: (1) Based on total CO2 emissions from all energy consumed in energy
extraction, transportation, refining, plant operation and maintenance, etc. Note: Data up until 2007 is reported by FEPC.
in addition to burning of the fuel. Data from 2007 to 2014 is reported by FEPC and some PPSs.
(2) The figure of nuclear power generation is calculated including the Data from 2014 onward is reported by ELCS.
reprocessing of spent fuel, use of MOX fuel, and the disposal of Up until 2014, the figures for nuclear power generation are on a gross-output basis as reported by
high-level radioactive waste. FEPC, whereas the figures from 2015 onward are on a net-output basis as reported by ELCS.
Source: Report of the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, etc. The figures with an asterisk are adjusted values taking into account CO2 credits and other
adjustments.

10 11
Decarbonization of Energy on the Supply-side Sharing Japan’s Top-level Power Generation Technologies
Development and expansion of the use of renewable energy sources with the World
The feed-in tariff system for renewable energy began in direction where “maximum use would be made of existing Japan has achieved the world’s top-level in energy
July 2012, whereupon the electric power companies are electricity networks to comprehensively minimize long-term efficiency by introducing various technologies for higher
obliged to buy such electricity at a fixed price for a certain electricity source and distribution costs while continuing to energy efficiency to thermal power plants. Based on this
period. The cost of purchasing this electricity is finally borne meet electric source connection needs through expanded achievement, the electric utility industry in Japan has been
by customers in the form of a surcharge, which in principle adoption of renewable energies and other measures”. Given making efforts to establish a mechanism for sharing such
is proportional to the amount of electricity consumed. this new policy, discussions are being held on measures advanced technologies with electric power industries in
The Revised FIT Act was enacted in April 2017, on flexibly utilizing existing transmission lines’ capacity other countries.
making changes to the FIT system including creating a to enable connection under certain conditions. Measures With high-efficiency plants to be introduced and the
new authorization system, revising the method of setting that have been approved in discussion will be implemented improvement of operation and maintenance technologies,
purchase prices, and revising businesses obliged to purchase sequentially. In June 2020, the Act for Establishing Energy coal-fired plants’ CO 2 reduction potential in OECD
FIT electricity, under the policy of “maximizing the amount Supply Resilience (Act on the Partial Revision of the countries and developing countries in Asia in FY 2030 is
of renewable energy to be introduced while suppressing the Electricity Business Act and Other Acts for Establishing estimated to be a maximum of 900 million t- CO2/year.
burden on the public”. Resilient and Sustainable Electricity Supply Systems) The electric utility industry of Japan will contribute to the
Photovoltaic power and wind power are susceptible to was passed into law. Starting in FY2022, the FIP system reduction of global CO2 emissions with Japan’s expertise
changes in power output depending on the weather. (electricity is bought back at a premium on the market and advanced technologies.
To maintain stable energy supply and quality when price) will be introduced, in addition to the existing FIT
photovoltaic power, wind power, and other renewable system. Renewable energy operators will be engaging in
energies are deployed on a large-scale, we are researching market transactions under the FIP system which is expected Source: ECOFYS "INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF FOSSIL POWER EFFICIENCY AND
CO2 INTENSITY 2021 ”
and developing a demand and supply control system that to encourage generating behavior that reflects market price Note: Values listed for heat efficiency are gross thermal efficiency values: a weighted
combines renewables’ output prediction, control with fluctuations. The FIP system will be adopted for “competitive average of the heat efficiency of coal, oil, and gas (lower heating value standard).
Subject facilities are those of operators whose main business is selling electricity
existing power sources and demand response (DR). power sources” such as utility photovoltaic power and to third parties.
Japan’s values are fiscal year values.
In March 2017, the Organization for Cross-regional wind power, while FIT system will continue to be used for
Coordination of Transmission Operators, JAPAN (OCCTO) “regional vitalization power sources” such as small-scale
significantly shifted its approach toward electricity network photovoltaic power and biomass.
operation and facility configuration by presenting a

Source: METI Mikuni Solar Power Station

12 13
 International Exchanges

Demand-side Efforts for CO2 Reduction Strengthening International Communication and Cooperation
In addition to promoting further use of hot water supply Japan’s electric power companies remain active on a control. The industry’s top executives actively participate in
systems (EcoCute) with CO 2 refrigerant heat pumps, worldwide basis. In order to cope with global warming international meetings such as the International Electricity
which significantly reduce CO 2 emissions compared to and to ensure the safety of nuclear power generation, Summit and the World Association of Nuclear Operators
conventional water heaters, the industry is actively working international cooperation is indispensable. Each of (WANO) to exchange views, while we also accept trainees
to promote more widespread use of heat pumps in the office the electric power companies in Japan has individual from overseas. We import most of our fuel such as oil and
and industrial sectors. agreements with overseas utilities in order to facilitate coal from overseas countries and also keep our doors open
EcoCute heats water by transferring renewable thermal exchanges on a wide range of information such as power to foreign companies for the purchase of equipment such as
energy in air to water by means of refrigerants. With a single generation, customer relations, distribution and quality generators.
unit of electric energy for heat pump operation and more
than two units of thermal energy from air, it can produce
Overseas Offices
more than three units of thermal energy.
If heat pump appliances replaces boilers and other Please feel free to contact your nearest office.
equipment which are used to meet the heat demands of
WASHINGTON, D.C. PARIS
the consumer (residential and commercial) and industrial
The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan,
sectors, the amount of CO2 emissions that could be reduced 13-15 Boulevard de la Madeleine 75001 Paris, FRANCE
Washington Office
in FY2030 will amount to 37.54 million t-CO2/year from Tel: (01) 43 12 81 40 Fax: (01) 43 12 81 44
The Federation’s Washington Office was established in January 1994. Its Established in 2008
FY2018 levels. principal objectives are to study U.S. energy policies and to exchange
DOHA
In the transportation sector, popularization of electrical information with U.S. energy opinion leaders in order to promote a greater
understanding of the Japanese electric power industry.
vehicles (EVs and PHVs) is considered one effective Source: The Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association
4th Floor, Salam Tower, Al Corniche P. O.Box 22470,
1707 L Street, N.W., Suite 670, Washington, D.C. 20036, U.S.A.
solution that can contribute to countering climate change. Tel: (202) 466-6781 Fax: (202) 466-6758 Doha-QATAR
Tel: (974) 4483-6680
As a moving battery, electric vehicles could play a part in Established in 1994
Established in 2007
the electricity network and as an emergency power source
2121 K Street, N.W., Suite 910, Washington, D.C. 20037, U.S.A. BEIJING
in disasters. Tel: (202) 457-0790 Fax: (202) 457-0810
We will bolster the development and spread of electric Established in 1978
Unit 4, Level 8, Tower E3, Oriental Plaza,
vehicles by developing necessary charging infrastructure for 900 17th Street, N.W., Suite 1220, Washington, D.C. 20006, U.S.A.
No.1 East Chang An Avenue, Dong Cheng District, Beijing 100738, CHINA
Tel: (10) 8518-7771 Fax: (10) 8518-7770
EV deployment in wider society. Tel: (202) 775-1960 Established in 2011
Established in 1982

LONDON

4th Floor, Marlborough Court, 14-18 Holborn, London, EC1N 2LE U.K.
Tel: (020) 7405-5299 Fax: (020) 7831-3065
Established in 1982
Column
2nd Floor, 210 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EP, U.K.
Promotion of Electrification for a Decarbonized Society Tel: (020) 7409-0142
Established in 1985
The Green Growth Strategy Through Achieving Carbon Neutrality in According to the Strategy, “electricity demand in 2050 will need to
2050 announced by the Japanese government in December 2020 and increase by a certain level as a result of the electrification of the industrial,
fleshed out in June 2021 takes the decarbonization of the electricity sector transport, and household sectors.”
London
as one of its fundamental premises and indicates a policy of maximally In order to realize a decarbonized society, there will need to be drastic Paris
using renewable energy, using thermal power along with carbon dioxide reform in the way energy is used and drastic and structural reform of Beijing
Washington, D.C.
JAPAN
capture, pursuing hydrogen generation as an option, and restarting our lifestyles to change the structure of our society to a decarbonized
nuclear power plants that meet the world’s strictest standards for safety. structure. Discussions looking forward to 2050 will need to start
The Strategy states that “sectors other than the electricity sector” such immediately and measures implemented in a timely manner. Doha
as industrial, transport, office, and household sectors, “will center around
electrification” and aims to have all sales of new passenger vehicles be
electrically-driven vehicles by 2035. In the residences and buildings,
Japan will pursue a life cycle carbon minus (LCCM) approach and build
net zero energy house and buildings (ZEH/ZEB), while also remodeling
existing houses to be more energy efficient and increasing the scale of
photovoltaic power generation as much as possible.

14 15
Location of Power Stations

Major Power Plants

Here is a list and map of the country’s major power plants:

Note: PWR=Pressurized Water Reactor, BWR=Boiling Water Reactor, APWR=Advanced Pressurized

Water Reactor, ABWR=Advanced Boiling Water Reactor, GCR=Gas Cooled Reactor,
ATR=Advanced Thermal Reactor, FBR=Fast Breeder Reactor

16 17
FEPC

History of Japan’s
The Federation Electric Power
of Electric UtilityCompanies
Industry Business Addresses

The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC)

Keidanren-kaikan, 1-3-2, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8118, Japan
Close cooperation
Electricity was firstamong
used inelectric utilities
Japan on Marchis 25,
essential
1878 at exchanging
demand forviews to create
electricity the electric
remained verypower
tight industry
in Japan.of A Tel: (03) 5221-1440 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . fepc. o r . j p
to
the Institute of Technology in Toranomon, Tokyo nine
effectively supply Japan's electricity. In 1952, the when the future. Moreover, FEPC undertakes various activities
series of intense discussions were held on restructuring to Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc.
electric power companies established the Federation of ensure stable operations of the electric power industry, with 2, Higashi 1-chome, Odori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8677, Japan
an arc lamp was switched on in commemoration of the the electric utility industry as one of the measures for Tel: (011) 251-1111 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . hepco. c o . j p
Electric Power Companies (FEPC) to promote smooth an awareness of its role in the energy industry of Japan.
opening of the Central Telegraph Office. In those days, democratizing the economy. As a result, nine regional Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.
operations within the industry. Since then, FEPC has With the return of Okinawa to Japan in 1972, the Okinawa 1-7-1 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8550, Japan
electricity
played was still unfamiliar
an important and
role as a base foruncommon not only in
close communication privatelyPower
Electric owned and rejoined
Company managedJapan’s
General Electricity
electric power Tel: (022) 225-2111 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . tohoku-epco. c o . j p
Japan butthealso
between in Europe
electric power and the United
companies and asStates. In 1886,
a forum for Utilities—
industry, Hokkaido,
becoming Tohoku,
an FEPC Tokyo,
member Chubu,
in March Hokuriku,
2000. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.
1-1-3 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8560, Japan
Tokyo Electric Lighting, a private company, commenced Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu Electric Power Tel: (03) 6373-1111 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . tepco. c o . j p
operations as the nation’s first electric power company, Companies — were established in 1951 and assumed the Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.
Board
and beganof Directors
supplying electricity to the public in the responsibility of supplying electricity to each As ofregion.
April 1, 2022 1, Higashi-shincho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8680, Japan
Tel: (052) 951-8211 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . chuden. c o . j p
following year. The Okinawa Electric Power Co. was established with Hokuriku Electric Power Co., Inc.
In the early days, use of electricity grew primarily for the return of Okinawa to Japan in 1972. 15-1, Ushijima-cho, Toyama-shi, 930-8686, Japan
Tel: (076) 441-2511 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . rikuden. c o . j p
lighting because of its safety and cleanness, and gradually At the end of the 20th century, a trend toward
The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
found broader applications as a power source to replace deregulation and competition took hold throughout 3-6-16, Nakanoshima , Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-8270, Japan
Tel: (06) 6441-8821 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . kepco. c o . j p
the steam engine. By 1896, the number of electric utilities society, and the electric utility industry started to be
The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc.
established throughout the nation reached a total of 33. liberalized. In December 1995, organizations such as 4-33, Komachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima 730-8701, Japan
Chairman Vice Chairman Vice Chairman Vice Chairman
Kazuhiro Ikebe Tel: (082) 241-0211 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . energia. c o . j p
The early 20th century marked the Mareshige
establishmentShimizuof Yutaka
independentFujii power producers (IPP)
Head of Nuclear Waste
Final Repository were allowed to
Promotion
Headquarters Shikoku Electric Power Co., Inc.
long-distance transmission technology. As larger thermal provide electricity wholesale services,
Toshiharu and in March 2000,
Sasaki 2-5, Marunouchi, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa 760-8573, Japan
and hydro-power plants were introduced, generation costs electricity retail supply for extra-high voltage users Tel: (087) 821-5061 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . yonden. c o . j p

(demand exceeding 2MW) was liberalized. The scope of Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.
fell and electricity came into wider use throughout the 2-1-82, Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-8720, Japan
country. Consequently, electricity became an indispensable retail liberalization was then expanded in April 2004 to Tel: (092) 761-3031 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . kyuden. c o . j p

energy source for peoples’ lives and industry. users of more than 500kW, and subsequently in April The Okinawa Electric Power Co., Inc.
2-1, Makiminato 5-chome, Urasoe, Okinawa 901-2602, Japan
In the years that followed, the electricity utility business 2005 to users of more than 50kW. Thus, a Japanese model Tel: (098) 877-2341 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . o k i d e n . c o . j p

grew in tandem with the modernization of Japan and of liberalization based on fair competition and Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-Power)
Senior Managing Director Director Director Director 6-15-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8165, Japan
development ofHead itsofindustry. At the sameSecretary
Fukushima Support time,General
the electric transparency,
Deputy while maintaining
Secretary General the General
Deputy Secretary vertical integration of Tel: (03) 3546-2211 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . jpower. c o . j p
Headquarters Hideaki Sasaki Yoshihiro Tomioka Osamu Okamura
utility industryAtsushi Soda a major restructuring that led
experienced generation, transmission and distribution to ensure a The Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC)
5-2-1, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
to the dissolution of 700 electric utilities, which merged to stable supply of electricity, was established.
Organization of FEPC Tel: (03) 6371-7400 URL h t t p : / / w w w . japc. c o . j p
create five major electric utilities after the First World War. With the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL)
During the Second World War, the electric utility industry accident and subsequent tight demand and supply brought 4-108 Aza Okitsuke, Oaza Obuchi, Rokkasho, Kamikita-gun, Aomori Prefecture 039-3212, Japan
Tel: (0175) 71-2000 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . jnfl. c o . j p
General Affairs
was completely
Chairman state-controlled and utilities were about by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA)
integrated into Nihon Hatsusoden Co. (a nationwide power as a turning point, numerous discussions were held to
General Planning 765-1, Funaishikawa, Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki 319-1184, Japan
Tel: (029) 282-1122 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . jaea. g o . j p
generating and transmitting state-owned company) and maintain a stable supply and reduce energy costs, and in
Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI)
Public Relations
nine Vice
distribution
Chairman companies. November 2013, the policy to implement three-phase Otemachi Bldg., 7F, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8126, Japan
Tel: (03) 3201-6601 URL h t t p s : / / c r i e p i . d e n k e n . o r . j p /
After the end of World War II inNuclear 1945,Wastesupply and reforms of the electric powerBusiness system was adopted.
Final Repository Japan Electric Power Information Center, Inc. (JEPIC)
Promotion Headquarters 15-33, Shibaura 4-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023, Japan
Senior Managing Siting, Power Generation & Environment Tel: (03) 6361-8210 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . jepic. o r . j p
Director World Association of Nuclear Operators Tokyo Centre (WANO-TC)
Nuclear Power 6F Igarashi Bldg., 2-11-5 Shibaura, Minato, Tokyo 108-0023, Japan
Fukushima Tel: (03) 6722-5900 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . wano.info
Support Headquarters Information Systems and Telecommunications Atomic Energy Association (ATENA)
Secretary General Keidanren-kaikan, 1-3-2, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8118, Japan
Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Promotion Headquarters Research & Development Tel: (03) 5877-3880 URL h t t p s : / / w w w . atena-j. j p

Washington Office
Deputy Secretary
General
The 2025 World Expo Office
Utilizing 80 post-consumer
recycled paper pulp

18 19
The Federation of
Electric Power Companies of Japan
Keidanren-kaikan,
1-3-2, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 100-8118, Japan
https://www.fepc.or.jp/english/index.html