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Huaneng Qinbei Power Station4,400 MW Coal

Coal

Huaneng Qinbei power station, located at coordinates 35.1679, 112.7162 in China, is a coal-fired power generation facility with a formidable capacity of 4,400 MW. Commissioned in 2009 and operated by Huaneng Power International Ruiyang Co Ltd, this power plant plays a crucial role in supporting the energy needs of the surrounding region. Coal remains a dominant source of energy in China, and Huaneng Qinbei contributes significantly to the national grid by providing reliable electricity output essential for both industrial and residential consumption. The technology employed at Huaneng Qinbei involves supercritical coal combustion, which enhances efficiency and reduces emissions compared to traditional coal-fired power generation methods. This positions the plant as a more environmentally responsible option within the coal sector, although it still faces challenges related to carbon emissions in light of China’s ambitious climate goals. The operational context of Huaneng Qinbei is influenced by the growing push towards renewable energy, which necessitates a balance between maintaining energy security and transitioning to cleaner alternatives. Located in the Shanxi province, an area rich in coal resources, the plant is strategically positioned to capitalise on its fuel supply while also being integrated into the regional energy infrastructure. As China continues to evolve its energy policies, Huaneng Qinbei serves as a critical player in the country’s energy landscape, reflecting both the reliance on coal and the ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Capacity
4,400 MW

4.40 GW

Commissioning Year
2009

17 years old

Owner
Huaneng Power International Ruiyang Co Ltd
Location
35.1679°, 112.7162°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 35.167900, 112.716200
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
17.38 Mt
21199 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
295.52 Mt
Over 17 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2049
23 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
3.8M
cars per year
2.3M
homes per year
790.2M
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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