The Datang Weihe 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 600 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 Shaanxi Power Generation Co Ltd, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2003, 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 Weihe power station occupies the #605 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 600 MW capacity represents a 0.06% 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 Weihe power station approximately 11.7 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0371% 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 2,890,800 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 963,600 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 34.4310° latitude and 108.8997° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Weihe-2 power station (coal-fired, 1200 MW), the Huaneng Tongchuan power station (coal-fired, 1200 MW), the Baqiao power station (coal-fired, 850 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.
23 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
Overview of Datang Weihe Power Station: A Key Player in China's Energy Landscape
The Datang Weihe Power Station, located in China, is a significant coal-fired power facility with a total capacity of 600 megawatts (MW). Owned by Datang Shaanxi Power Generation Co Ltd, this power plant was commissioned in 2003 and has played an important role in meeting the energy demands of the region and supporting China’s broader energy goals. As part of the Datang Group, one of China's major state-owned power producers, the Weihe Power Station contributes to the stability and reliability of electricity supply in the province of Shaanxi and beyond.
The power station primarily utilizes coal as its fuel source, which remains a dominant energy resource in China's energy mix. Coal is favored for its abundance and cost-effectiveness; however, it also poses significant environmental challenges. The combustion of coal releases a variety of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which can have detrimental effects on air quality and public health. In recognition of these environmental impacts, the Chinese government has implemented stringent regulations aimed at reducing emissions from coal-fired power plants, and many facilities, including Datang Weihe, have adopted advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce pollutants.
Technically, coal-fired power plants like Datang Weihe operate on a thermal cycle. Coal is burned to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, thereby converting thermal energy into electrical energy. The efficiency of this process is crucial for minimizing the environmental footprint of coal power generation. The Datang Weihe Power Station employs various technologies aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing emissions, reflecting the broader trend in China's energy sector towards cleaner and more efficient energy production.
Regionally, the Datang Weihe Power Station is vital for supporting economic development in Shaanxi province, a region rich in natural resources but also characterized by a growing population and increasing energy demands. The power station not only provides electricity to local industries and households but also contributes to the grid, helping to stabilize energy supply during peak demand periods. Furthermore, it plays a role in reducing energy shortages that can impede industrial growth and development.
In summary, the Datang Weihe Power Station stands as a significant coal-fired power facility within China's energy infrastructure. While it plays a crucial role in meeting the energy needs of the region, it also faces challenges related to environmental impacts associated with coal combustion. As China continues to transition towards greener energy sources, the station exemplifies the complexities of balancing energy security and environmental sustainability in a rapidly developing economy.
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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