J-Power begins construction on 490 kW hydropower plant in Hokkaido

It will rely on river maintenance flow discharged from the Shin-Katsurazawa Dam.

Electric Power Development (J-Power) started the construction of the 490 kW hydropower Ikushunbetsugawa Power Plan, expected to start operations in 2026. 

Located in Katsurazawa, Mikasa City, Hokkaido, J-Power said the project will be developed on the left bank directly downstream of the Shin-Katsurazawa Dam managed by the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau.

The power plant will use the untapped river maintenance flow of 1.1 tonnes per second, discharged from the dam.

“Drawing on the J-Power Group’s experience and track record developing and operating hydroelectric power plants across Japan, we will continue to expand the introduction of renewable energy projects to achieve carbon neutrality, as stated in J-Power Blue Mission 2050,” the company said.