Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-Power) decommissioned Unit 1 of the Matsushima Thermal Power Plant, and placed Unit 2 under long-term suspension (“mothballing”) on May 1, 2025. We report on its current status based on observation from a site visit during the “Matsushima Thermal Power Plant Appreciation Day” held in November 2025 and dialogues with the local community.
Matsushima Thermal Power Plant Site Tour
Many coal-fired power plants owned by J-Power hold annual appreciation events inviting local residents and featuring site tours. Even at the already decommissioned and mothballed Matsushima Thermal Power Station, a “Matsushima Thermal Power Plant Appreciation Day” event was held on November 24, 2025.
Currently, Unit 1 of the Matsushima Thermal Power Plant has already been decommissioned, while Unit 2 is suspended pending transition to the GENESIS Matsushima. During the tour, participants were divided into two groups, each touring either Unit 1 or Unit 2. After viewing the turbine building of Unit 1, we walked around the perimeter of the coal storage yard (currently empty).
Unit 1, Decommissioned; Demolition Timeline Undecided
Although Unit 1 was decommissioned in May 2025, the equipment inside the turbine building remains in place. According to the power plant employee who guided us, while the equipment and building will eventually be removed to clear the site, the schedule is not decided yet. At the coal storage yard, where vast quantities of coal were once piled high, the guides explained that to prevent spontaneous combustion, they needed to climb directly onto the coal piles and stick specialized thermometers into coals to monitor temperatures everyday. This offered a glimpse into how coal-fired power plant operations rely on the long-term expertise of skilled professionals.
GENESIS Matsushima Project: Future Vision is Not be informed to plant employees
In response to participant questions about the GENESIS Matsushima Project, it was stated that preparatory work not requiring construction, such as compiling necessary material lists, is underway. However, beyond the scheduled 2026 construction start date, it seems that no further information was shared with the site. Matsushima Thermal Power Station has suspended Unit 2 in preparation for the GENESIS Matsushima Plan. Consequently, some employees have been transferred to other power stations, indicating the impact of the suspension and planned decommissioning.
The Close Connection Between the Community and the Power Plant
This Appreciation Day is hosted by J-Power. The Matsushima Thermal Power Plant, the event venue, is located on an island, so even though it’s relatively close, people need to take a ferry from Saikai City to get there. Furthermore, Saikai City is an area experiencing a severe decline in population. Despite this, on the day of the festival, many local families participated, clearly showing that the power plant has close connections with the community.
People Enjoying Stalls and Food Stands Set Up on the Premises
Offshore Wind Power Advancing in Saikai City
Besides the GENESIS Matsushima Project, Saikai City has plans for an offshore wind power generation project off the coast of Ejima. The offshore wind power project is currently progressing according to schedule. Explanations regarding the onshore construction work have been provided to the local community, and the project appears to be moving forward smoothly. Furthermore, this project is expected to stimulate the local economy. During the construction period, it will positively impact related industries, such as increased local consumption through construction of worker dormitories and deliveries of construction material. In the future, it is anticipated to expand the regional economic cycle through the creation of stable employment opportunities for wind turbine maintenance and inspection work, as well as the development of related industries.
Choosing Energy for the Region's Future
Visiting this area, one immediately senses the deep connection forged between the community and the Matsushima Thermal Power Plant—which has long supported the local economy. However, the progress and schedule of the GENESIS Matsushima Project appear to be unknown even to plant employees, city officials, and local residents. Decisions seem to be made exclusively in Tokyo, where J-Power's headquarter and the overseeing Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry are located. Shouldn't a project with such a significant impact on the region's future be planned with greater community participation? We also intend to deepen our understanding of the Matsushima Thermal Power Plant and its surrounding area through repeated visits and investigations like this one in the future.
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