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Tilbury power stations1,788 MW Coal

Coal

The Tilbury power stations in the United Kingdom represent a significant component of the country's coal-based energy production. With a total capacity of 1788 MW, these facilities have played a vital role in fulfilling the energy needs of the nation. Located at coordinates 51.4549, 0.3917, Tilbury has been a critical part of the UK’s energy landscape, particularly in the context of the transition from coal to more sustainable energy sources. The power stations utilise traditional coal-fired technology, a well-established method of energy generation that has served the UK for decades. However, as the country moves toward a greener energy policy, the role of coal in the energy mix is being re-evaluated. The Tilbury power stations are notable not only for their capacity but also for their strategic location along the River Thames, which facilitates logistical support for coal transportation. The operator's commitment to compliance with environmental regulations reflects the broader energy policy context in the UK, where there is a strong push for reducing carbon emissions. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and the shift toward renewable energy sources, the Tilbury coal-fired power stations continue to contribute to the stability of the local grid, ensuring that energy generation meets the demands of consumers across the region.

Capacity
1,788 MW

1.79 GW

Commissioning Year
1962

64 years old

Owner
RWE Generation
Location
51.4549°, 0.3917°

United Kingdom, Europe

Location

Coordinates:: 51.454900, 0.391677
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.06 Mt
8615 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
452.09 Mt
Over 64 years of operation
Past Retirement
2002
24 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.5M
cars per year
941.9K
homes per year
321.1M
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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