The Presidente Médici A B is a key infrastructure asset in Brazil's power generation grid, located on the continent of South America. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 446 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing coal energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Eletrobras, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1974, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Brazil, Presidente Médici A B occupies the #2 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 446 MW capacity represents a 10.80% share of Brazil's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 4,130 MW. The largest operational coal installation in Brazil is the Usina Termelétrica Pecém with an output of 1,085 MW, making the Presidente Médici A B approximately 2.4 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.1781% of Brazil's aggregate generation capacity of 250,382 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of coal power plants (modeled at 55% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 2,148,828 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in Brazil consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 716,276 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates -31.5482° latitude and -53.6733° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Candiota III (coal-fired, 350 MW), the Marfrig Bagé (oil-fired, 3.2 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of Brazil.
52 years old
Brazil, South America
Location
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
Brazil- Continent
- South America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Presidente Médici Power Plant: A Key Player in Brazil's Energy Landscape
The Presidente Médici Power Plant, located in Brazil, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a total installed capacity of 446 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1974, this plant has played a vital role in supporting the country's energy needs, particularly during periods of high demand. As Brazil continues to expand its energy infrastructure, the Presidente Médici Power Plant remains an integral component of the national grid, contributing to the reliability and stability of electricity supply across the region.
As a coal-fired power plant, Presidente Médici utilizes coal as its primary fuel source. Coal is a fossil fuel that has been a traditional energy source for many countries due to its abundance and relatively low cost. However, the use of coal also comes with distinct technical and environmental considerations. The combustion of coal generates electricity through a steam generation process, where heat produced from burning coal is used to convert water into steam, which then drives turbines to produce electricity. While coal has been a reliable energy source, its combustion releases greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), which contribute to climate change. Additionally, particulate matter and other pollutants released during coal combustion can adversely affect air quality and public health.
The environmental impact of the Presidente Médici Power Plant is a topic of ongoing concern. While the plant has historically contributed to Brazil's energy security, its reliance on coal poses challenges in the context of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. Brazil, known for its significant investments in renewable energy, particularly hydropower, faces the challenge of balancing its energy portfolio between traditional fossil fuels like coal and more sustainable options. As the country aims to meet its climate commitments, the future of coal-fired plants like Presidente Médici may be subject to increased scrutiny and regulatory changes.
Regionally, the Presidente Médici Power Plant is significant not only for its energy production but also for its economic contributions. The plant provides jobs and stimulates local economies through its operations and maintenance activities. Furthermore, it plays a role in stabilizing the electricity supply in regions that may experience fluctuations due to reliance on intermittent renewable sources. As Brazil continues to navigate the complexities of energy generation, the Presidente Médici Power Plant stands as a reminder of the ongoing transition within the energy sector, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers both economic and environmental factors. In conclusion, while the Presidente Médici Power Plant has been a cornerstone of Brazil's energy landscape for decades, its future will be shaped by the country's evolving energy policies and global trends towards sustainability.
Nearby Power Plants
Understanding Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source
Coal has long been a cornerstone of electricity generation worldwide, with a significant presence in the global energy landscape. As of recent data, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants operating across 74 countries, boasting a total installed capacity of 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading nations in coal power generation include China, with 1,018 plants generating 1,038.0 GW, India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants producing 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, with 130 plants and 76.8 GW, and 61 plants and 63.9 GW, respectively. This widespread utilization reflects the essential role coal has played in the development of industrial and residential power systems globally.
See Incorrect or Missing Data?
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.