Osaka Gas Commences Operations at New 1.25 GW Himeji Power Plant

HIMEJI, JAPAN – Osaka Gas has officially launched commercial operations at Unit 1 of its high-efficiency natural gas-fired power plant in Himeji. This milestone marks a significant expansion of the company’s power generation portfolio and reinforces energy security in the Hyogo Prefecture region.

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Project Overview

The Himeji Natural Gas Power Plant is a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the growing electricity demands of industrial hubs, specifically targeting the surge in energy consumption from new data centers and semiconductor facilities.

• Total Output: 1.25 GW (comprising two units of 622.6 MW each).
• Technology: Advanced Gas Turbine Combined Cycle (GTCC), offering some of the highest thermal efficiency rates in the industry.
• Location: Situated adjacent to the existing Himeji LNG Terminal for streamlined fuel delivery.

Strategic Timeline

Milestone	Timeline	Status
Unit 1 Commercial Launch	January 2026	Operational
Unit 2 Commercial Launch	May 2026	Testing Phase
Unit 3 Expansion	FY 2030	In Development

Low-Carbon Future

While the plant currently utilizes Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Osaka Gas has designed the facility with long-term sustainability in mind. The plant serves as a bridge toward Japan’s 2050 carbon-neutrality goals by:

1. Reducing Emissions: Utilizing GTCC technology which emits significantly less $CO_{2}$ than coal-fired alternatives.
2. Future-Proofing: Preparing for the integration of e-methane (synthetic carbon-neutral gas) as the technology matures.

“The startup of the Himeji plant is a vital step in ensuring a stable, flexible power supply while we navigate the transition to a net-zero energy system.” — Company Statement Summary