Chubu Electric Power Company Inc. started construction of West-Nagoya No.7 Thermal Plant near Nagoya City, replacing a 40-year old petroleum-fired plant with a natural gas-fired combined-cycle power generation. First, the tunnel excavation for the underwater gas pipe was undertaken, followed by construction of the main building, the plant installations and water facilities works. The two plants are scheduled to start operation in September 2017 and March 2018 respectively.

The new plants enable more efficient power generation and reduction of CO2 emission and fuel usage. Power output will be increased from 1.2 million kilo watt to 2.3 million kilo watt, while the efficiency will be improved from 40% to 62%.

The 5 kilo meter underwater tunnel work started using a shield tunneling machine in October 2013, which is scheduled for completion in September 2017. Kajima Co. is in charge of the section. The 43,000 m2 main building will be built by Taisei Corp, aiming at completion in September 2017. (2014/02/04)