Construction and Development of the Kitakyushu Waste-to-Energy Plant in the 2020s

Construction and Development of the Kitakyushu Waste-to-Energy Plant in the 2020s

The "Shinkogasaki Plant" in Kitakyushu City, which began operations in 1998, was established as one of the largest waste-to-energy facilities in Japan. This plant can process approximately 810 tons of waste per day, handling around 295650 tons annually. Its power generation capacity reaches up to 36300 kilowatts per hour, providing approximately 260,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year, which equates to the annual power consumption of about 15000 households. The generated electricity is sold to Kyushu Electric Power, with an estimated annual revenue of around 2 billion yen.

This facility incorporates an advanced high-efficiency waste incineration system provided by Ebara Corporation. The system has improved waste combustion efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 30% compared to conventional incineration facilities. Specifically, it is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by about 80,000 tons annually. With the help of the gas treatment system, harmful substances like dioxins and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are kept below environmental standards. Additionally, approximately 40000 tons of incinerated ash are produced annually and recycled into building materials and road paving materials, promoting resource circulation. Through these operations, Kitakyushu City has successfully achieved both proper waste management and efficient energy utilization, significantly contributing to reducing environmental impacts.

In the 2020s, the Kogasaki Plant continues to operate as a high-efficiency waste-to-energy facility, with the latest technologies. The plant processes approximately 810 tons of waste per day and about 169900 tons annually, with a power generation capacity of up to 17200 kilowatts, reaching an annual power output of approximately 91300 MWh. This amount is equivalent to the annual power consumption of about 25000 households. Approximately 55800 MWh is sold annually to Kyushu Electric Power, generating about 2 billion yen in revenue.

To further reduce environmental impacts, an updated gas treatment system keeps dioxin emissions at 0.0016 ng-TEQ/g, significantly lower than the legal standard of 3 ng-TEQ/g. Additionally, the heat reduction rate of incinerated ash is at 2.2%, well below the standard limit of 10%, achieving both safety and reduced environmental impacts.

In 2022, an AI-powered waste recognition system was introduced in a pilot program to prevent hazardous materials, such as gas canisters, from entering the waste stream. This AI technology reduces the risk of fires within the facility, enhancing safety. Through these technological advancements and regional initiatives, the Kogasaki Plant continues to contribute significantly to waste management, energy supply, and environmental protection in the region.