World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Ratcliffe2,000 MW Coal

Coal

The Ratcliffe power plant, located in the United Kingdom, is a prominent coal-fired facility with a capacity of 2000 MW. Situated at coordinates 52.8653, -1.2550, Ratcliffe plays a notable role in the UK's energy generation landscape, particularly in providing a stable and reliable source of electricity to the national grid. Operated by Uniper UK Limited, this power plant utilises advanced coal combustion technology, which allows for efficient energy production while adhering to stringent environmental regulations. The significance of Ratcliffe lies not only in its substantial output but also in its role within the context of the UK’s energy transition policies. As the country moves towards reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy sources, the Ratcliffe plant serves as a transitional facility that ensures energy reliability during this period of change. Its ability to generate large amounts of power is crucial for meeting peak demand, particularly in winter months when energy consumption spikes. Furthermore, the operational context of Ratcliffe highlights the challenges faced by coal power plants in an era of declining coal use; thus, it is an important player in discussions around energy policy and the future of coal in the UK. In summary, the Ratcliffe power plant remains a significant part of the UK's energy generation framework, balancing the need for reliable electricity with the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

Capacity
2,000 MW

2.00 GW

Commissioning Year
2010

16 years old

Owner
Uniper UK Limited
Location
52.8653°, -1.2550°

United Kingdom, Europe

Location

Coordinates:: 52.865300, -1.255000
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.90 Mt
9636 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
126.42 Mt
Over 16 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2050
24 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.7M
cars per year
1.1M
homes per year
359.2M
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
United Kingdom
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

United KingdomEnergy Profile

3,024
Total Stations
155.3 GW
Total Capacity
GasWindNuclearCoal
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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