World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Kriel Power Station3,000 MW Coal

Coal

Kriel Power Station, located in South Africa at coordinates -26.2540, 29.1801, is another vital coal-fired power generation facility contributing to the country's energy grid. With a capacity of 3000 MW, Kriel plays a significant role in meeting South Africa's electricity demands, operated by Eskom. Commissioned in 1978, this power plant utilises traditional coal combustion technology, which has been a cornerstone of the country’s energy generation strategy for decades. Kriel Power Station is strategically positioned in an area rich in coal reserves, allowing for a reliable and steady supply of fuel necessary for its operations. The facility not only bolsters the local grid but also has implications for the broader national energy mix, as it continues to provide essential electricity to support both industrial and residential sectors. However, with South Africa's commitment to transitioning towards renewable energy sources and addressing environmental concerns, Kriel Power Station faces the challenge of adapting to new policies that promote cleaner energy solutions. As the nation works towards achieving its energy goals, Kriel remains a significant player in the current energy landscape while also being part of the dialogue surrounding the future of coal in South Africa's energy strategy.

Capacity
3,000 MW

3.00 GW

Commissioning Year
1978

48 years old

Owner
Eskom
Location
-26.2540°, 29.1801°

South Africa, Africa

Location

Coordinates:: -26.254000, 29.180100
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
11.85 Mt
14454 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
568.91 Mt
Over 48 years of operation
Past Retirement
2018
8 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
2.6M
cars per year
1.6M
homes per year
538.7M
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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