The Hokkaido Electric Power Company (Hokuden) and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) have announced the commencement of commercial operations at the Ainumanai Power Plant, located in Yakumo-cho Futami-gun, Hokkaido, Japan. This marks the inaugural plant to go online under the hydroelectric power alliance serving Hokkaido's Donan region.
The Ainumanai Power Plant, managed by the joint venture company Donan Hydroelectric LLC (Donan Hydro), which was established in November 2021, signifies a significant step towards renewable energy utilization in the region.
Donan Hydro will oversee the replacement of five existing plants owned by Hokuden, including the Nanae Power Plant, Isoyagawa Daiichi Power Plant, Isoyagawa Daini Power Plant, Ainumanai Power Plant, and Ono Power Plant. The venture will utilize Hokuden's existing waterways and infrastructure, with plans to replace aging facilities as they are decommissioned.
This initiative aligns with the broader goals of both MC and Hokuden to tap into Japan's domestically produced energy resources. By harnessing the potential of hydropower from the Donan region's abundant water resources, the alliance aims to contribute significantly to Japan's journey towards carbon neutrality.
The upcoming phases of the alliance project will see the remaining four plants in the region go online gradually, following the completion of their replacement work.
