World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

KW Voerde1,390 MW Coal

Coal

KW Voerde, located in Germany, is a powerful coal-fired energy generation facility that plays a critical role in the country’s energy landscape. With a substantial capacity of 1390 MW, this power plant is designed to contribute significantly to the national grid, providing essential electricity to meet the demands of both residential and industrial users. The facility employs advanced coal combustion technology, which enables it to operate efficiently while meeting stringent environmental regulations. Situated at coordinates 51.5765° N latitude and 6.6894° E longitude, KW Voerde is strategically positioned to serve the North Rhine-Westphalia region, one of the most industrialised areas in Germany. Operated by Kraftwerk Voerde beschränkt haftende OHG, the power plant is an integral part of Germany's energy mix, especially in light of the country’s ongoing transition towards a more diversified energy portfolio that includes renewable sources. The operational context of KW Voerde is influenced by Germany's energy policies, particularly the Energiewende initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy practices. Despite the global shift towards renewable energy, KW Voerde remains a key player in ensuring energy stability and reliability, particularly during times when renewable sources may not meet demand. The significance of this coal-fired power plant is evident in its ability to provide a steady supply of electricity while supporting the transition towards a more sustainable energy system in Germany. As the country continues to navigate its energy future, KW Voerde stands as a significant contributor to the nation’s energy generation capacity and reliability.

Capacity
1,390 MW

1.39 GW

Commissioning Year
1972

54 years old

Owner
Kraftwerk Voerde beschränkt haftende OHG
Location
51.5765°, 6.6894°

Germany, Europe

Location

Coordinates:: 51.576500, 6.689400
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
5.49 Mt
6697 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
296.54 Mt
Over 54 years of operation
Past Retirement
2012
14 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.2M
cars per year
732.2K
homes per year
249.6M
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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