Power generation and society

Abstract Japan’s electrification rate is about one-quarter. Power generation plays an important and highly influential role in society. How the power generation system works has a great impact on society. Systems responsible for power generation in Japan are roughly divided into thermal power generation and nuclear power generation. Fossil fuels are the source of the thermal power generation. After describing various fossil fuels, the utilization of fuels and the power generation systems for the various fuels with each characteristic are described. A series of steps from the location determination to construction of a typical thermal power plant is briefly introduced. Important regulation and standards in that process will be outlined. As for the nuclear power generation, safety is an important issue. Based on the lessons learned from the experience of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, which was caused by the huge tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake, improvements for nuclear safety assurance regulations and framework were performed. The important points and ideas are introduced.