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Datang Sanmenxia Power Station2,900 MW Coal

Coal

The Datang Sanmenxia Power Station is a prominent coal-fired power facility located in China, with a substantial generation capacity of 2,900 MW. Commissioned in 2007, this power plant plays a critical role in China’s quest to meet its vast energy demands, as the country remains one of the largest consumers of electricity worldwide. Situated at coordinates 34.6847° N and 111.0274° E, the Datang Sanmenxia Power Station utilises state-of-the-art coal technology to optimise energy production while managing emissions. The facility is operated by Datang Sanmenxia Power Station, which is a key player in the region’s energy sector. As China seeks to balance its rapid industrial growth with environmental concerns, this power plant is integral to the national energy strategy that relies heavily on coal. Despite ongoing investments in renewable energy, coal-fired power plants like Datang Sanmenxia continue to provide essential base-load electricity, ensuring grid stability. The operational context of this plant reflects the broader energy policy landscape in China, where coal remains a central component of energy generation. As the country transitions towards a more sustainable energy future, the Datang Sanmenxia Power Station exemplifies the complexities of relying on fossil fuels while gradually incorporating cleaner technologies and alternative energy sources.

Capacity
2,900 MW

2.90 GW

Commissioning Year
2007

19 years old

Owner
Datang Sanmenxia Power Station
Location
34.6847°, 111.0274°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 34.684700, 111.027400
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
11.46 Mt
13972 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
217.69 Mt
Over 19 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2047
21 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
2.5M
cars per year
1.5M
homes per year
520.8M
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
China
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

ChinaEnergy Profile

4,431
Total Stations
1617.1 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroNuclearGas
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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