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Schwarze Pumpe power station1,500 MW Coal

Coal

The Schwarze Pumpe power station, located at coordinates 51.5348° N, 14.3531° E in Germany, serves as a significant contributor to the country’s energy generation, particularly in the context of coal power. Commissioned in 1998, this coal-fired facility has a notable capacity of 1500 MW, allowing it to play a key role in the energy mix of Germany. Operated by Vattenfall Europe AG, the Schwarze Pumpe power station utilises advanced coal technology, which enhances operational efficiency while addressing environmental concerns associated with coal combustion. As Germany navigates its energy transition, known as the Energiewende, the importance of such power plants remains crucial in providing a stable energy supply amidst the increasing integration of renewable energy sources. The presence of Schwarze Pumpe in the regional grid helps manage the balance between energy demand and supply, particularly during periods of low renewable energy generation. The strategic location of the plant in Saxony underscores its role in supporting both local and national energy needs, while also contributing to the economic stability of the region. As Germany continues to pursue ambitious climate goals, the Schwarze Pumpe power station remains an important player in the current energy landscape, balancing the transition towards a more sustainable future while ensuring reliability in electricity supply.

Capacity
1,500 MW

1.50 GW

Commissioning Year
1998

28 years old

Owner
Vattenfall Europe AG
Location
51.5348°, 14.3531°

Germany, Europe

Location

Coordinates:: 51.534800, 14.353100
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
5.93 Mt
7227 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
165.93 Mt
Over 28 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2038
12 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.3M
cars per year
790.2K
homes per year
269.4M
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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