World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Yallourn1,480 MW Coal

Coal

Yallourn Power Plant, located in Australia, is a coal-fired power generation facility with a substantial capacity of 1480 MW. As one of the key players in Australia’s energy landscape, Yallourn significantly contributes to the national grid, supplying electricity to millions of households and businesses. Operated by TRUenergy, this plant has been in operation since its commissioning and continues to be a vital source of energy in the region. Positioned at coordinates -38.1770, 146.3428, Yallourn is situated in the Latrobe Valley, an area renowned for its rich brown coal deposits, which serve as the primary fuel source for the plant. The technology employed at Yallourn includes supercritical steam generators that enhance efficiency in energy generation while reducing emissions. Despite Australia’s ongoing shift towards renewable energy, coal remains a substantial part of the energy mix, particularly in the state of Victoria where Yallourn is located. The plant’s operational context emphasises the importance of coal in providing baseload power, which is crucial for maintaining grid stability during peak demand periods. As the country navigates its energy transition, Yallourn serves as a reminder of the existing reliance on fossil fuels, while also highlighting the need for a balanced approach to energy generation that includes both traditional and renewable sources.

Capacity
1,480 MW

1.48 GW

Commissioning Year
1973

53 years old

Owner
TRUenergy
Location
-38.1770°, 146.3428°

Australia, Oceania

Location

Coordinates:: -38.177000, 146.342800
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
5.85 Mt
7131 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
309.90 Mt
Over 53 years of operation
Past Retirement
2013
13 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.3M
cars per year
779.6K
homes per year
265.8M
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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