19Power demand and supply in fiscal 2000
In fiscal 2000, power demand from large industrial power users rose 4.4% from the previous year. This
increase was caused by higher steel production due to a rise in exports to the rest of Asia in the first half
of the year. Increased production of electric machinery due to strong sales of IT products also
contributed. Power for electric lights and other general power demand was up 2.5%, mostly due to
increased air conditioner use during the heat wave of July and August. As a result, our total sales
volume for the year was 75.25 million MWh, up 3% from the previous year.
Steady operation of our nuclear power facilities enabled stable power supply throughout the year.
We will continue efforts to maintain a precise understanding of demand trends in the year ahead.
Whenever possible, we will reduce costs and streamline our assets by reviewing power facility
development plans or closing facilities as needed.
Business Overview
FY 2000
Demand (power sales volume) FY 1999 Difference Percentage change25.2Light 24.4 0.8 +3.1%33.3Power 32.6 0.7 +2.3%58.5Total of light and power
(All demand excluding demand for specified volumes)
57.0 1.5 +2.6%16.8Demand for specified volumes 16.1 0.7 +4.3%75.3Total power sales 73.1 2.2 +3.0%54.7General demand
53.3 1.4 +2.5%20.6Demand from large industrial users 19.8 0.8 +4.4%
(Same data)
FY 2000
Supply
(volume of generated and received power)
FY 1999 Difference Percentage change82.9Total 80.6 2.3 +2.8%-0.3For pumping water -0.6 0.3 -46.3%-3.4Pooled power -2.8 -0.6 +19.5%11.5Power received from other companies 12.0 -0.5 -4.6%75.1Total 72.0 3.1 +4.3%39.5(85.8)
Nuclear
(Facility utilization factor)38.8(84.0)0.7(1.8)
+1.9%
(+2.1%)31.5Thermal 28.7 2.8 +9.7%4.1(91.9)
Hydroelectric
(Flow rate)4.5(99.6)-0.4(-7.7)
-9.7%
(-7.7%)
Generated by Kyushu Electric Power
Millions of MWh
Millions of MWh 20Nuclear
The Genkai and Sendai nuclear power stations we operate have a total of six reactors with a combined
maximum output of 5,258 MW. They provided about 46% of our total generated power in fiscal 2000.
Our nuclear power stations provide a stable supply of power and greatly help reduce CO2 emissions.
Thermal
To diversify our fuel sources, Kyushu Electric Power is developing coal- and LNG-fired thermal
power stations. We currently operate 12 thermal power stations with a combined maximum output of
10,744 MW. They provided 36% (excluding power received from other companies) of our total
generated power in fiscal 2000. In July 2001, New Generator 1 of the Karita Power Station (360 MW)
started operation. This power station is a coal-fired thermal power station incorporating fluidized
pressurized bed combustion technology. Operation of two new large coal-fired thermal facilities is
planned for the near future: Generator 2 (700 MW) of the Reihoku Power Station in 2003, and
Generator 2 (1,000 MW) of the Matsuura Power Station in 2005.
Hydroelectric
Our general hydroelectric power stations have a combined maximum output of 1,220 MW and our
pumped storage hydroelectric power stations have a combined maximum output of 1,150 MW.
Together they accounted for 5% (excluding power received from other companies) of our total
generated power in fiscal 2000.
Currently we operate three pumped storage hydroelectric power stations: at Morozuka, Tenzan and
Ohira. Pumped storage hydroelectric power stations are ideal for dealing with power consumption
peaks or emergencies since they adapt well to sudden load fluctuations and can be started and shut
down quickly. Omarugawa Power Station, another large pumped storage hydroelectric power station,
is currently under construction. When completed in 2008, it will be one of the largest power stations
of its kind in Japan with four 300 MW generators.
Other power sources
Kyushu Electric Power is committed to the use of clean natural power sources such as geothermal,
solar and wind energy. We own about 40% of the geothermal generation facilities in Japan. The five
geothermal plants we operate include the largest geothermal plant in Japan, the Hatchobara Power
Plant (110 MW). The combined output of our geothermal power facilities is 207.5 MW. Geothermal
power accounted for 2% (excluding power received from other companies) of our total generated
power in fiscal 2000. We have solar generation facilities at 21 of our offices with a combined output of
325 kW. We currently have six wind power generators at Nomamisaki and Koshikijima, with a
combined output of 1,750 kW. We plan to add another five generators to Nomamisaki in 2002,
bringing the total to 11.
Power Generation Facilities 21Our power transmission and distribution equipment covers the entire Kyushu region. At the
end of fiscal 1999, our power transmission equipment had a total length of 9,485 km and our
power distribution equipment had a total length of 129,462 km. To enable stable power
transmission, Kyushu Electric Power is focusing on maintaining and upgrading this equipment.
Lowering transmission/distribution losses, creating efficient facilities
To ensure a stable power supply and improve our power transmission efficiency, we are upgrading our
500-kV main lines, and the 220-kV lines that connect our major power stations to Kyushu,s cities.
Over the years, we have greatly reduced the transmission/distribution loss at our power transmission
facilities. The loss factor was 5.4% in fiscal 2000, down from 21.4% in 1951.
As we develop new power facilities and meet rising demand, we are gradually upgrading our power
transmission facilities to improve efficiency over the medium and long term.
Power Transmission and Distribution Equipment
In fiscal 2001, Kyushu Electric Power is planning to spend 10円 billion on technology
development, focusing on the two areas described below.
We will also continue to work on areas related to our public obligations, such as
environmental initiatives and research on methods of ensuring a stable power supply, while
researching other areas of power technology development that could benefit power users.
Lowering costs
Kyushu Electric Power is engaged in a variety of R&D projects aimed at lowering costs. We are
developing more cost-effective equipment, searching for methods of using existing facilities more
effectively, developing remaining life assessment technology (to determine the maximum durability of
facilities), and seeking new energy-saving methods and other ways to cut facilities costs.
• More advanced methods of installing power distribution facilities
• Permanent-magnet generators and water wheels without guide vanes
• New types of lightning rods for distribution lines
• Preventing growth of marine life in chilled water channels in power stations
Technology development to increase Groupwide profitability
Seeking to expand the business areas we excel in, we are using the research resources of the entire
Group to jointly develop new products and technologies with high earnings and growth potential.
• High-performance ceramic coaters
• Feasibility evaluations of micro-gas-turbine generating facilities
• High-speed Internet connection service
• High-efficiency crime-preventing streetlights
Research and Development