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| Wärtsilä |
100 MW Sodegaura Power Plant Enhances Grid Stability
Japan's transition to renewable energy has gained momentum with the successful commissioning of the 100 MW Sodegaura power plant. Built by Tokyo Gas Engineering Solutions (TGES) on behalf of its parent company Tokyo Gas, the facility operates with ten Wärtsilä 34SG engines, providing crucial grid-balancing capabilities.
The plant, located in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture, will play a significant role in Japan’s balancing and capacity markets. The country aims to increase its renewable energy share to 40-50% by 2040 under its 7th Strategic Energy Plan.
Flexible Energy for a Sustainable Future
The Wärtsilä engines offer rapid ramp-up capabilities, making them ideal for stabilizing power supply fluctuations caused by intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. Japan’s cross-regional balancing market, introduced in 2021, seeks to bridge energy supply gaps, ensuring a stable electricity grid.
Tadashi Ishizaka, Executive Officer and General Manager of the Power Business Department, Energy Trading Company at Tokyo Gas, emphasized the plant’s strategic importance: "This gas engine power plant will serve as a critical balancer, responding to fluctuations in renewable energy supply and electricity demand. Wärtsilä’s advanced technology provides the flexibility needed to support Japan’s increasing reliance on renewables."
Nicolas Leong, Energy Business Director for North & Southeast Asia at Wärtsilä Energy, highlighted the company’s commitment to decarbonization: "Our flexible gas engine technology is crucial in integrating renewables into power systems. We are proud to support Tokyo Gas in advancing sustainable energy production in Japan."
Wärtsilä and Tokyo Gas have built a strong relationship over the years. TGES has installed 39 Wärtsilä gas engines across various projects, and both companies have collaborated on optimizing plant efficiencies since the early 2000s.
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