On October 31, 2025, Electric Power Development Co.,Ltd. (J-POWER) announced its plan to retire the Takasago Thermal Power Station Units 1 and 2 (each 250,000 kW) by the end of FY2028. These units began operations in 1968 and 1969, respectively. This coal-fired power station uses a subcritical (Sub-C) system with a power generation efficiency of 38% or less. Clearly, it is inefficient and emits high levels of CO₂.

In 2018, there were plans to replace the 2 units of the existing plant with new units each with a capacity of 600,000 kW. However, citizens opposed this plan and it was ultimately canceled. J-POWER cited “as the initial goal of the project to increase supply capacity is losing its significance due to the expected decline in electric power demand in the Kansai area.” as a reason.

J-POWER plans to reduce CO₂ emissions to 26.3 million tons or less (46%) by 2030, from fiscal 2013 levels under its “J-POWER BLUE MISSION 2050.” Additionally, J-POWER Group Medium-Term Management Plan 2024-2026 outlines its direction to phase out its inefficient coal-fired power plants as part of the transition of thermal power generation in Japan. Takasago’s discontinuation plan is in line with that policy.

J-POWER owns approximately 9,224 MW of domestic coal-fired power generation and the Takasago Units 1 and 2, whose decommissioning has now been announced, represent only a very small portion of the total. It still promotes the GENESIS Matsushima project and may extend the lifespan of many other remaining facilities by introducing technologies such as “gasification plant installation,” “ammonia co-firing,” and “CCS.”

J-POWER’s “Transition” strategy cannot be considered decarbonization aligned with the 1.5°C target; a clear roadmap to completely phase out domestic coal-fired power by 2030 is essential.

References

J-POWER Press Release (2025.10.31) Takasago Thermal Power Station Decommissioning Plan Retiring an Inefficient Coal-Fired Power Plant to Achieve Carbon Neutrality
J-POWER Press RElease (2018.4.27) Abandonment of Takasago Thermal Power Plant New Unit No.1/No. 2 Replacement Plan

JBC【News】 Can J-POWER phase-out its coal-fired power plants by 2030?