World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Riyadh 93,616.6 MW Oil

Oil

Riyadh 9 is a prominent power generation facility located in Saudi Arabia, boasting a capacity of approximately 3616.6 MW. This plant primarily utilises oil as its fuel source, supplemented by natural gas, which reflects the Kingdom's substantial hydrocarbon resources and energy generation strategy. Situated at coordinates 24.9500, 47.0650, Riyadh 9 is strategically important for the local grid, providing essential electricity to the rapidly growing metropolitan area of Riyadh and its surroundings. Commissioned in 2008 and operated by the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), this facility is part of Saudi Arabia's broader initiative to diversify its energy sources while still relying heavily on fossil fuels. As the country strives to meet the increasing energy demands of its population and industries, Riyadh 9 plays a pivotal role in ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply. The plant's operation aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which include enhancing energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix. In this context, while Riyadh 9 primarily relies on oil, it serves as a key asset in supporting the country's ongoing energy transition efforts.

Capacity
3,616.6 MW

3.62 GW

Commissioning Year
2008

18 years old

Owner
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)
Location
24.9500°, 47.0650°

Saudi Arabia, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 24.950000, 47.065000
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Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.21 Mt
11088 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
129.74 Mt
Over 18 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2038
12 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.6M
cars per year
961.0K
homes per year
327.6M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Saudi Arabia
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

Saudi ArabiaEnergy Profile

163
Total Stations
144.3 GW
Total Capacity
GasOilSolarWind
Top Fuels

An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source

Oil has been a significant source of energy for power generation worldwide, with 2,416 oil power plants distributed across 108 countries, contributing a total installed capacity of approximately 286.9 gigawatts (GW). The reliance on oil for electricity generation has its roots in the ease of extraction, transportation, and the energy density of crude oil, making it a practical choice for many nations. Notable countries that utilise oil in power generation include Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Iran, and Mexico, with Japan hosting 29 plants and leading in capacity at 49.9 GW, closely followed by Saudi Arabia with 53 plants at 49.7 GW. The United States has 883 oil power plants with a combined capacity of 39.4 GW, while Iran and Mexico have 22 and 23 plants, respectively, with capacities of 13.5 GW and 12.2 GW.

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