Present Status of the Otake and Hatchobaru Geothermal Power Plants (I) - on the Operating Experience and Power Plant Construction of Unit N

Abstract

In 1949, the geothermal development of KEPCO initiated by surveys in the Otake, Kirishima and Unzen areas. After going through the basic exploration, the Otake Power Station of rated output 12.5MW, was constructed in 1967, and the Hatchobaru Power Station of rated output 55MW, the largest capacity of Geothermal Power Station in Japan, was completed in 1977. Both are operated with high capacity factors. The development of Hatchobaru Unit II was begun by drilling of exploratory wells in 1981, was made sure by steam flow rate equivalent to 38MW by 6 wells. It is considered that long range operation is possible with the evaluation of the geothermal reservoir. After environmental influence was evaluated, the construction of 55MW Power Station was started in December 1987.