World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Ankerlig1,327 MW Oil

Oil

Ankerlig power plant, located in South Africa, is a critical energy generation facility that primarily utilises oil as its fuel source. With a capacity of 1,327 MW, Ankerlig plays a significant role in supporting the country’s electricity supply, particularly during peak demand periods. Commissioned in 2007 and operated by Eskom, the plant is strategically situated at coordinates -33.5920, 18.4607, making it an essential asset in the local grid of the Western Cape region. As South Africa grapples with energy challenges, including load shedding and fluctuating supply, Ankerlig serves as a reliable backup power source, particularly during dry seasons when hydroelectric generation is reduced. The facility employs advanced combustion technology to optimise oil efficiency, ensuring that it meets the energy needs of both residential and industrial users. In the context of South African energy policy, Ankerlig represents a vital component of Eskom's strategy to provide uninterrupted power supply while transitioning to more sustainable energy solutions. The operational context of the plant is particularly important as the country seeks to diversify its energy mix, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and integrate more renewable energy sources. Overall, Ankerlig is not only a crucial part of South Africa's energy generation portfolio but also reflects the ongoing efforts to navigate the complex landscape of energy security and sustainability.

Capacity
1,327 MW

1.33 GW

Commissioning Year
2007

19 years old

Owner
Eskom
Location
-33.5920°, 18.4607°

South Africa, Africa

Location

Coordinates:: -33.592000, 18.460700
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Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
2.64 Mt
4069 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
50.25 Mt
Over 19 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2037
11 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
574.9K
cars per year
352.6K
homes per year
120.2M
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
South Africa
Continent
Africa
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

South AfricaEnergy Profile

232
Total Stations
71.9 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroSolarGas
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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