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Japan's Renova Defers 75-MW Biomass Plant Operations Once More

Initial Delay and Current Postponement

In May 2022, renewable energy company Renova, Inc. announced a postponement of the initial operation date for its 75-megawatt (MW) biomass power plant in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The plant was originally scheduled to commence operations in November 2022, but the date was pushed back to January 2023 due to delays in equipment delivery and construction.

However, on January 11, 2023, Renova further announced another postponement of the plant's operation start date. The new target date is now set for April 2023, citing ongoing challenges in equipment procurement and construction.

Project Overview

The 75-MW biomass power plant is a significant renewable energy project in Japan. It will utilize wood chips and other biomass materials as fuel to generate electricity. The plant is expected to produce enough electricity to power approximately 180,000 households annually and contribute to Japan's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Reasons for Postponements

Renova attributed the delays in equipment delivery and construction to ongoing disruptions in the global supply chain, which have affected the availability and timely delivery of critical components. Additionally, the company noted that the complexity of the construction process, involving the integration of various systems and technologies, has also contributed to the extended timeline.