World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Arnot power station2,352 MW Coal

Coal

Arnot power station is a pivotal coal-fired power generation facility located in South Africa, specifically positioned at coordinates -25.9444, 29.7917. With a substantial generation capacity of 2352 MW, this power plant plays a significant role in meeting the country's energy demands, contributing to the national energy mix predominantly reliant on coal. Owned and operated by Eskom, South Africa's primary electricity supplier, Arnot was commissioned in 1973 and has since been integral to the stability and reliability of the local grid. The facility utilises traditional coal combustion technology, which is a common method in the region for energy production, reflecting the country's historical reliance on this fossil fuel. Arnot's operational context is shaped by South Africa's energy policies that emphasise the importance of coal as a primary energy source, despite ongoing discussions about transitioning to more sustainable energy solutions. The facility's output is essential for powering industries and homes in the surrounding areas, making it a cornerstone of the local economy. As South Africa looks to balance its energy generation portfolio, Arnot stands as a testament to the challenges and opportunities within the country's energy landscape.

Capacity
2,352 MW

2.35 GW

Commissioning Year
1973

53 years old

Owner
Eskom
Location
-25.9444°, 29.7917°

South Africa, Africa

Location

Coordinates:: -25.944400, 29.791700
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
9.29 Mt
11332 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
492.49 Mt
Over 53 years of operation
Past Retirement
2013
13 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
2.0M
cars per year
1.2M
homes per year
422.4M
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
South Africa
Continent
Africa
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

South AfricaEnergy Profile

232
Total Stations
71.9 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroSolarGas
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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