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Dafang power station1,200 MW Coal

Coal

The Dafang power station is a key infrastructure asset in China's power generation grid, located on the continent of Asia. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 1200 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 Guizhou Dafang Power company, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2006, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Dafang power station occupies the #303 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1200 MW capacity represents a 0.12% share of China's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 1,030,281 MW. The largest operational coal installation in China is the East Hope Metals Wucaiwan power station with an output of 7,000 MW, making the Dafang power station approximately 5.8 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0742% of China's aggregate generation capacity of 1,617,141 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 5,781,600 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in China consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 1,927,200 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 27.1014° latitude and 105.5658° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Guodian Zhijin power station (coal-fired, 1320 MW), the Nayong-1 power station (coal-fired, 1200 MW), the Hongjiadu (hydroelectric, 600 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 China.

Capacity
1,200 MW

1.20 GW

Commissioning Year
2006

20 years old

Owner
Guizhou Dafang Power company
Location
27.1014°, 105.5658°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 27.101400, 105.565800
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
4.74 Mt
5782 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
94.82 Mt
Over 20 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2046
20 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.0M
cars per year
632.1K
homes per year
215.5M
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
China
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

Dafang Power Station: A Key Player in China's Energy Landscape

Dafang Power Station, located in Guizhou province, China, is a significant coal-fired power facility with a generation capacity of 1200 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2006, it is owned and operated by Guizhou Dafang Power Company. The power station plays a critical role in meeting the growing energy demands of the region and contributes to the broader goals of China's energy sector, which aims to ensure energy security while balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability.

As a coal-fired power plant, Dafang utilizes coal as its primary fuel source. Coal remains a dominant energy source in China, providing a substantial portion of the country's electricity generation. The Dafang Power Station uses advanced technologies to optimize the combustion process and improve efficiency, which helps to mitigate some environmental impacts associated with coal usage. The plant is designed to convert the thermal energy released from burning coal into electrical energy, which is then transmitted to the grid to supply power to homes and industries.

The environmental impact of coal-fired power plants, including Dafang, is a subject of significant concern. While coal has been a reliable source of energy, its combustion releases greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), along with other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These emissions contribute to air quality issues and climate change. In response, the Chinese government has implemented various regulations and technologies aimed at reducing emissions from coal-fired power plants. This includes the installation of flue gas desulfurization systems and particulate matter control technologies at facilities like Dafang, which help to minimize their environmental footprint.

Regionally, the Dafang Power Station is a crucial component of Guizhou's energy infrastructure. The province has historically faced challenges related to energy supply, and the commissioning of this power plant has helped to alleviate some of those issues by providing a stable electricity source. Moreover, the power station supports local economic development by supplying energy to industries and residential areas, thus fostering growth in the region. As China continues to transition towards more sustainable energy sources, facilities like Dafang will need to adapt. The power station is likely to play a transitional role, supporting the energy needs of the area while contributing to national efforts to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on coal in the long term.

In conclusion, the Dafang Power Station represents an essential element of China's energy landscape, providing significant capacity and playing a role in local economic development. While it faces challenges related to environmental impacts, ongoing technological advancements and regulatory measures aim to mitigate these concerns, ensuring that the plant remains a valuable asset in China's energy portfolio.

ChinaEnergy Profile

4,431
Total Plants
1617.1 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroNuclearGas
Top Fuels

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.

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