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Huaneng Shangdu power station3,720 MW Coal

Coal

The Huaneng Shangdu power station in China is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 3,720 MW. Owned and operated by North United Power Co Ltd, this power plant was commissioned in 2008 and plays a critical role in supporting the energy demands of the region. Located at coordinates 42.2237, 116.0293, Huaneng Shangdu is strategically positioned to deliver reliable electricity to both urban and industrial sectors within its vicinity. As a coal power plant, it utilises conventional thermal generation technology, converting coal into electricity through combustion in steam boilers, followed by the use of turbines to produce power. The facility contributes substantially to China's energy mix, where coal remains a dominant source of electricity. While the country is increasingly investing in renewable energy, coal-fired plants like Huaneng Shangdu are essential to meet the immediate energy needs of a rapidly growing economy. The operational context of this power plant reflects China's broader energy policy, which seeks to balance economic growth with environmental considerations, as it works towards cleaner energy alternatives in the future. The Huaneng Shangdu power station exemplifies the ongoing challenge of managing energy demands while transitioning to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Capacity
3,720 MW

3.72 GW

Commissioning Year
2008

18 years old

Owner
North United Power Co Ltd
Location
42.2237°, 116.0293°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 42.223700, 116.029300
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
14.70 Mt
17923 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
264.54 Mt
Over 18 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2048
22 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
3.2M
cars per year
2.0M
homes per year
668.0M
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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