Biomass power plant in Japan that can provide electricity to 170,000 homes is now operational

A 75MW biomass power plant in Japan is now online. RENOVA announced that the Ishinomaki Hibarino Biomass Power Plant started operation on March 28.

The plant is fueled by wood pellets and palm kernel shells, it said. Preparations for this facility were made by Ishinomaki Hibarino Biomass Energy G.K., which is jointly funded by RENOVA; Prominet Power Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.; United Purpose Management, Inc.; and Mizuho Leasing

The power plant is located in Ishinomaki’s Hibarino area, which Miyagi Prefecture has been reclaiming and landscaping since 1997 as an industrial site. Further development and revitalization of the port are also expected in the future, with the number of vessels visiting Ishinomaki Hibarino wharf expected to increase significantly due to procurement of fuel.

“Drawing on the lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami that occurred on March 11, 2011, the plant has a design and safety measures that fully anticipate the height of a tsunami in the event of an earthquake,” RENOVA said in a press release. “Going forward, we will operate the power plant while prioritizing coexistence with the local community and safety. We will seek to contribute to the achievement of a decarbonized society in cooperation with local residents and other stakeholders.”

The annual power transmission volume of the plant is 530 million KwH, or enough to power about 170,000 homes a year, it said.