Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) plans to commence operations of a new 500MW combined-cycle, gas-fired unit at its Kawasaki plant in Japan by next year.

Operations at the unit will begin ahead of schedule in a bid to meet the nation’s peak power demand during the summer months.

In addition, the company plans to build another two 710MW combined-cycle, gas-fired units for the Kawasaki plant next year, reports Reuters.

Tepco aims to add power supply after two of its three nuclear power stations were shut down following the 11 March earthquake and tsunami.