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Medupi Power Station4,764 MW Coal

Coal

Medupi Power Station stands as a crucial coal-fired power plant in South Africa, contributing significantly to the national energy generation landscape. Located at coordinates -23.7048, 27.5589, this facility is one of the largest of its kind in Africa, boasting a remarkable capacity of 4764 MW. Owned and operated by Eskom, South Africa's primary electricity supplier, Medupi plays a vital role in addressing the country's energy needs and supporting its economic growth. Commissioned in 2015, this plant employs advanced supercritical technology, which enhances efficiency and reduces emissions compared to traditional coal-fired power generation methods. The adoption of such technology aligns with South Africa's energy policies aimed at improving energy efficiency and transitioning towards more sustainable energy solutions. Situated in the Limpopo Province, Medupi Power Station not only bolsters the local grid but also supports the broader national grid, providing electricity to millions of households and businesses across the country. The facility's strategic position allows it to utilise local coal resources, thus ensuring energy security and economic viability. Medupi’s contribution to the energy mix is essential, especially in a country where coal has historically been a dominant fuel source. As South Africa continues to navigate the transition towards renewable energy, Medupi remains a key player in the current energy framework, providing reliable electricity while efforts to enhance renewable capacity are underway.

Capacity
4,764 MW

4.76 GW

Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
Eskom
Location
-23.7048°, 27.5589°

South Africa, Africa

Location

Coordinates:: -23.704814, 27.558909
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
18.82 Mt
22953 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
207.04 Mt
Over 11 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2055
29 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
4.1M
cars per year
2.5M
homes per year
855.5M
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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