The Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 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 1320 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 Datang International Power Generation Company, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2010, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 power station occupies the #201 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1320 MW capacity represents a 0.13% 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 Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 power station approximately 5.3 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0816% 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 6,359,760 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 2,119,920 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 32.2127° latitude and 119.2096° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Jianbi power station (coal-fired, 2990 MW), the Yangzhou-2 power station (coal-fired, 2460 MW), the Huaneng Jinling power station (coal-fired, 2060 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.
1.32 GW
16 years old
China, Asia
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
China- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 Power Station: A Key Player in China's Energy Landscape
The Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 power station is a significant coal-fired power facility located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. With a total installed capacity of 1320 megawatts (MW), it was commissioned in 2010 and plays a vital role in meeting the energy demands of one of China's most populous and industrially active regions. As part of the larger Datang International Power Generation Company, the plant contributes to the reliability and stability of the electric grid in eastern China, which is essential for supporting both residential and industrial electricity consumption.
Coal serves as the primary fuel for the Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 power station. This choice of fuel is consistent with China's historical reliance on coal to generate electricity, which has allowed the country to rapidly industrialize and expand its economy over the past few decades. The power station utilizes advanced coal combustion technology designed to maximize efficiency and minimize emissions per unit of electricity produced. However, despite these technological advancements, coal remains a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which raises concerns regarding air quality and climate change.
In terms of environmental impact, while Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 has implemented measures to reduce its emissions, such as desulfurization and dust control systems, coal-fired power plants are often criticized for their ecological footprint. The combustion of coal releases not only CO2 but also sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, all of which can contribute to adverse health effects and environmental degradation. The Chinese government has recognized these challenges and is investing heavily in renewable energy sources, but coal still plays a dominant role in the energy mix, particularly in regions where rapid economic growth necessitates large-scale energy production.
The regional significance of the Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 power station cannot be overstated. Nanjing, as a major urban center, relies on the plant for a substantial portion of its electricity supply. The power generated here supports various sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, and residential services. Additionally, the facility's operation is intertwined with the broader energy strategy of Jiangsu Province, which aims to balance economic development with environmental sustainability. As coal continues to be a contentious issue in the conversation surrounding energy transition in China, the Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 power station stands at the crossroads of traditional energy practices and the evolving policies aimed at creating a cleaner energy future.
In conclusion, the Datang Nanjing Xiaguan-3 power station is a crucial component of China's energy infrastructure. Its 1320 MW capacity plays an essential role in fulfilling the electricity needs of a vibrant region while simultaneously highlighting the environmental challenges associated with coal-based energy production. As China navigates the complexities of energy transition, the future of such power plants will be pivotal in shaping the nation's energy landscape.
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.
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