Kyushu Electric Power Company’s fossil fuel-fired power plants are aging. Of Kyuden’s 27 plants, 9 have been in operation for more than 30 years, and two are more than 40 years old, the age at which plants are officially considered “old”. However, since none of Kyuden’s nuclear reactors are running, it plans to run all of its other power plants full tilt to keep up with demand this summer. In operation for 42 years, Kyuden’s oldest plant is the Kanda-Shin No. 2 unit in Kanda Town, Fukuoka Pref. followed by the Aiura No. 1 Unit in Sasebo, Nagasaki Pref. at 41 years. Meanwhile, Kyuden has taken efforts to improve plant inspections. In 2013, there were only four plant stoppages compared to 28 in 2011. That being said, the company admits that it is “difficult to reduce malfunctions to zero”. Plant malfunctions during the peak summer season could cause shortages, so the situation on the ground remains tense. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 6/14
