World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Hamburg-Moorburg1,600 MW Coal

Coal

Hamburg-Moorburg is a significant power generation facility located in Germany, contributing to the national energy mix with its substantial coal-based capacity of 1600 MW. Owned and operated by Vattenfall Europe AG, this power plant was commissioned in 2015 and plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region. The facility utilises advanced coal technology, which, while controversial in the context of global climate initiatives, is designed to optimise efficiency and reduce emissions compared to traditional coal plants. Situated at coordinates 53.4890, 9.9490, Hamburg-Moorburg is strategically located to support the energy grid in Hamburg and its surrounding areas. The plant not only contributes to local energy stability but also aids in balancing fluctuations from renewable energy sources, which have seen increased penetration in Germany's energy market. As the country transitions towards more sustainable energy policies, the role of coal plants like Hamburg-Moorburg becomes increasingly complex, often serving as a transitional solution while renewable technologies are further developed. The operational context of this facility reflects the broader energy landscape in Germany, where coal has historically been a key player but is facing pressures from environmental regulations and public sentiment. As Germany aims to reduce its carbon footprint, the future of Hamburg-Moorburg will be closely scrutinised, making it a focal point in discussions about the balance between energy reliability and sustainability.

Capacity
1,600 MW

1.60 GW

Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
Vattenfall Europe AG
Location
53.4890°, 9.9490°

Germany, Europe

Location

Coordinates:: 53.489000, 9.949000
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
6.32 Mt
7709 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
69.53 Mt
Over 11 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2055
29 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.4M
cars per year
842.8K
homes per year
287.3M
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
Germany
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

GermanyEnergy Profile

1,483
Total Stations
151.8 GW
Total Capacity
CoalGasNuclearHydro
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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