World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Mount Piper Power Station1,320 MW Coal

Coal

Mount Piper Power Station is a prominent coal-fired power generation facility situated in Australia at the coordinates -33.3581 latitude and 150.0325 longitude. With a robust capacity of 1320 MW, this power plant is a key player in providing electricity to the New South Wales grid, contributing significantly to the state's energy generation needs. Operated by Energy Australia, Mount Piper utilises traditional coal combustion technology, which involves burning coal to produce steam that drives turbines, thus converting thermal energy into electrical energy. As one of the major power plants in the region, it plays a vital role in supporting the energy demands of local communities and industries. The facility's location near coal resources ensures a stable supply of fuel, which is essential for its operation. Despite the global shift towards renewable energy sources, coal remains a critical part of Australia's energy landscape, particularly in regions where energy reliability and base-load power are essential. The Mount Piper Power Station's operational context is increasingly shaped by national energy policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner alternatives. As Australia navigates its energy transition, Mount Piper will be significant in discussions about the future of coal in the country's energy mix, balancing economic needs with environmental responsibilities while providing a reliable source of energy for its consumers.

Capacity
1,320 MW

1.32 GW

Commissioning Year
1993

33 years old

Owner
Energy Australia
Location
-33.3581°, 150.0325°

Australia, Oceania

Location

Coordinates:: -33.358134, 150.032508
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
5.22 Mt
6360 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
172.10 Mt
Over 33 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2033
7 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.1M
cars per year
695.3K
homes per year
237.0M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Coal
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Australia
Continent
Oceania
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

AustraliaEnergy Profile

678
Total Stations
156.6 GW
Total Capacity
SolarCoalGasHydro
Top Fuels

Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source: An Overview

Coal has been a cornerstone of electricity generation for over a century, accounting for a significant share of global energy production. As of now, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants worldwide, distributed across 74 countries, with a total installed capacity of around 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading countries in coal power generation include China, which operates 1,018 plants with a capacity of 1,038.0 GW, followed by India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants at 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, which have 130 and 61 plants, respectively, with capacities of 76.8 GW and 63.9 GW.

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power station data accurate and up-to-date.