Japan’s Hokuriku Electric decides on capacity for new Toyama LNG unit

Hokuriku Electric announced in a statement on Tuesday that Unit 2 will have a capacity of 630 MW, with an approximate generation efficiency of 64 percent using LNG fuel.

In April 2025, the utility started preliminary surveys and facility design, and the environmental impact assessment process for the new unit.

Since then, Hokuriku Electric has conducted detailed studies to determine the unit’s final output.

This move is part of Hokuriku Electric’s plans to replace aging coal and oil-fired units with gas turbine combined cycle power generation units.

Hokuriku Electric previously discontinued operations at two coal and oil-fired units, each with a capacity of 250 MW, at the Toyama Shinko thermal power station.

Also, the utility suspended operations at an oil-fired unit with a capacity of 240 MW.

Currently, the power plant features one 500 MW unit powered by oil and LNG and one LNG-fired unit with a capacity of 420 MW.

The power plant is located next to Hokuriku Electric’s 1.8 mtpa Toyama Shinko LNG import terminal.

According to Hokuriku Electric, once completed, the LNG-fired Unit 2 is expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by about 2 million tons, as the utility aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

“Moving forward, we will continue to advance this plan with the understanding and cooperation of local residents and relevant parties, aiming to commence operations in fiscal year 2033,” the utility said in the new statement.

Hokuriku Electric did not provide further details.

It previously said that it expects to start construction of the new unit in fiscal 2029.