Date: September 9, 2023
Location: Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture (Japan)
Address: 3275 Oshinozucho, 683-0101
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Wood Dust
Industry: Biomass Power Generation
Equipment: Pellet Storage Facility
Company: Yonago Biomass Power Plant
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, Yonago Biomass Power Plant is a biomass power plant in Yonago City, Japan. This power plant burns fuel pellets in a boiler to heat water, and the steam rotates a turbine to generate electricity. It started operating in April 2022 and was established by a limited liability company made up of five companies, including Chubu Electric Power.
Incident Description:
On September 9, 2023, NHK reported an explosion and fire at a biomass power plant in Yonago City, Japan.
At about 9:20 a.m. an employee alerted the fire department about an explosion and subsequent smoke at the power plant. Seven fire trucks tackled the blaze, which was brought under control in approximately four hours.
The fire ignited at a section where wood fuel pellets were offloaded from vehicles. The explosion damaged an outer wall, affecting the pellets stored below and the elevator used for transporting them.
A witness recounted, “I heard a loud bang, and it knocked me back. Then, I saw flames erupting from the building with immense force. It was terrifying.”
No injuries were reported.
Sources:
NHK
