The Maritsa Itzok-2 power station stands as a vital component of Bulgaria's energy infrastructure, contributing significantly to the national energy generation landscape. Located at coordinates 42.2541, 26.1340, this coal-fired power plant boasts an impressive capacity of 1602 MW, making it one of the largest power generation facilities in the country. Since its commissioning in 1979, Maritsa Itzok-2 has played a crucial role in supplying electricity to the Bulgarian grid, supporting both residential and industrial energy demands. Operated by TEC Maritsa Iztok 2 EAD, the plant employs subcritical coal combustion technology, a well-established method for generating electrical power. This technology utilises coal as its primary fuel source, which is abundant in the region, aligning with Bulgaria's energy policy that emphasizes energy security and a stable supply. The plant's operational context is further enhanced by its location in the Maritsa River Basin, an area historically significant for energy production. As Bulgaria transitions towards more sustainable energy sources, Maritsa Itzok-2 remains a key player in the energy mix, balancing the grid and ensuring reliability while the country explores renewable options. The importance of this power station is underscored by its strategic placement in a region that has traditionally relied on coal for energy, and it continues to be a cornerstone of Bulgaria's energy generation efforts.
1.60 GW
47 years old
Bulgaria, Europe
Location
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
Bulgaria- Continent
- Europe
- Data Source
- Global Power Station Database
Nearby Power Plants
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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