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Weisweiler power station1,800 MW Coal

Coal

The Weisweiler power station is a prominent coal-fired power generation facility located in Germany, with geographical coordinates of 50.8392 latitude and 6.3211 longitude. This power plant has been operational since 1968 and has a substantial generation capacity of 1800 MW, making it a significant player in the European energy landscape. As a coal-based plant, Weisweiler plays a critical role in Germany's energy mix, particularly during periods of high demand. The facility is operated by RWE Power AG, one of the leading energy companies in Germany, which emphasizes the importance of this plant in the national energy strategy. The coal technology employed at Weisweiler is designed to maximize efficiency while adhering to stringent environmental regulations. As Germany continues to transition towards renewable energy sources, the role of established coal power plants like Weisweiler is increasingly scrutinised. However, its contribution remains vital to ensuring energy stability, especially as the country phases out nuclear power and seeks to integrate variable renewable sources. Weisweiler's 1800 MW capacity is essential for maintaining grid reliability and meeting the energy needs of both residential and industrial consumers in the region. This facility's longevity and operational context underscore its significance in a nation that is navigating the complexities of energy transition while ensuring economic competitiveness and energy security.

Capacity
1,800 MW

1.80 GW

Commissioning Year
1968

58 years old

Owner
RWE Power AG
Location
50.8392°, 6.3211°

Germany, Europe

Location

Coordinates:: 50.839200, 6.321100
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.11 Mt
8672 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
412.46 Mt
Over 58 years of operation
Past Retirement
2008
18 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.5M
cars per year
948.2K
homes per year
323.2M
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
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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