Construction of Kitakyushu City's Waste-to-Energy Plant and Development in the 2020s Kitakyushu City's "Shin-Kōgosaki Plant," which began operations in 1998, was established as one of Japan's largest waste-to-energy facilities. The facility can process 810 tons of waste per day, achieving annual waste treatment of approximately 295,650 tons. Its maximum power generation capacity is 36,300 kilowatts per hour, enabling an annual electricity supply of about 260,000 megawatt-hours. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 15,000 households. The generated electricity is sold to Kyushu Electric Power, with projected annual revenue of about 2 billion yen.

Construction of Kitakyushu City's Waste-to-Energy Plant and Development in the 2020s Kitakyushu City's "Shin-Kōgosaki Plant," which began operations in 1998, was established as one of Japan's largest waste-to-energy facilities. The facility can process 810 tons of waste per day, achieving annual waste treatment of approximately 295,650 tons. Its maximum power generation capacity is 36,300 kilowatts per hour, enabling an annual electricity supply of about 260,000 megawatt-hours. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 15,000 households. The generated electricity is sold to Kyushu Electric Power, with projected annual revenue of about 2 billion yen.

The facility incorporates a high-efficiency waste incineration system provided by Ebara Corporation, improving waste combustion efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 30% compared to conventional incineration facilities. Specifically, annual CO₂ emissions are projected to be reduced by approximately 80,000 tons. An exhaust gas treatment system suppresses harmful substances such as dioxins and nitrogen oxides (NOx) to levels below environmental standards. Furthermore, approximately 40,000 tons of incineration ash are generated annually as a byproduct of incineration. This ash is reused as construction materials and road paving materials, promoting the circular use of resources. Through the operation of this facility, Kitakyushu City has achieved both proper waste treatment and the effective utilization of energy resources, significantly contributing to reducing the environmental burden on the region.

Even in the 2020s, the Kōgosaki Plant continues to operate as a highly efficient waste-to-energy facility, incorporating the latest technologies. This facility processes 810 tons of waste per day, totaling approximately 169,900 tons annually. Its maximum power generation capacity is 17,200 kilowatts, achieving an annual power generation output of about 91,300 megawatt-hours. This power generation is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 25,000 households. By selling approximately 55,800 megawatt-hours annually to Kyushu Electric Power, it generates annual revenue of approximately 2 billion yen.

Additionally, the exhaust gas treatment equipment has been upgraded to reduce environmental impact. Dioxin emissions are maintained at 0.0016 ng-TEQ/g, significantly below the legal standard of 3 ng-TEQ/g. Furthermore, the ash thermal reduction rate is 2.2%, substantially lower than the standard value of 10%, achieving both safety and reduced environmental burden.

In 2022, a demonstration experiment utilizing AI for waste identification commenced, alongside efforts to prevent the mixing of hazardous materials such as cassette gas cylinders. This AI technology reduces the risk of fire within the facility, enhancing safety. Through such technological innovation and community initiatives, the Kōgosaki Plant continues to make significant contributions to regional energy supply and environmental conservation by simultaneously achieving waste processing and power generation.