World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Tarong Power Station1,400 MW Coal

Coal

Located in Australia, the Tarong Power Station is a critical coal-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 1400 MW, making it one of the significant contributors to the national energy grid. Commissioned in 1984 and operated by Stanwell, this power plant plays a key role in supplying consistent electricity to meet the demands of Queensland's growing population and industrial sectors. The coordinates -26.7838, 151.9149 place it within a region known for its rich coal deposits, facilitating the plant's fuel supply and operational efficiency. As Australia continues to navigate the challenges of energy transition, the Tarong Power Station remains an integral part of the energy mix, providing reliable base-load power while also facing scrutiny regarding emissions and environmental impact. The facility employs subcritical technology, a common method in coal power generation, which allows for effective energy conversion. The significance of Tarong extends beyond its operational capacity; it is also a key player in discussions surrounding energy policy in Australia, where the government is increasingly focused on integrating renewable energy sources. Nonetheless, the power station's ability to deliver substantial electricity output underscores its relevance in ensuring energy security for the region.

Capacity
1,400 MW

1.40 GW

Commissioning Year
1984

42 years old

Owner
Stanwell
Location
-26.7838°, 151.9149°

Australia, Oceania

Location

Coordinates:: -26.783820, 151.914923
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
5.53 Mt
6745 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
232.30 Mt
Over 42 years of operation
Past Retirement
2024
2 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.2M
cars per year
737.5K
homes per year
251.4M
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.

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