Japan to add thermal power capacity this week

Japan's operational thermal power generation capacity is forecast to rise this week, as power utilities plan to bring thermal power units back on line from spring maintenance.

Japan plans to add around 6GW of thermal capacity in the week to 4 June, with the addition of 11GW outstripping closures of 5GW, according to an Argus survey based on a notice by the Japan Electric Power Exchange. The difference incorporates a net increase in gas-fed capacity of 5GW, coal-fed capacity of 1GW and oil-fed capacity of 125MW this week.

Power utilities plan to resume 10 thermal power units with a combined capacity of 4.3GW this week following regular maintenance.

Japan has had unstable weather, needing air-conditioning on some days but not others. The northern Kyushu area, Shikoku, Chugoku, Kansai and Chubu entered the rainy season on 29 May, which usually means shorter sunlight hours and lower solar power output. The rainy season is also expected to start in other regions, including Tokyo, soon.

Japan's total power demand during 22-28 May averaged 85GW, down by 1pc from the week before, data from the Organisation for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators show.

By Reina Maeda