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Guohua Taicang power station1,260 MW Coal

Coal

The Guohua Taicang 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 1260 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 Shenhua Guohua Electric Power Corporation, 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, Guohua Taicang power station occupies the #277 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1260 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 Guohua Taicang power station approximately 5.6 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0779% 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 6,070,680 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 2,023,560 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 31.5877° latitude and 121.2556° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Waigaoqiao Power Station (coal-fired, 5240 MW), the Shidongkou power station (coal-fired, 3820 MW), the CPI Changshu-1 power station (coal-fired, 3320 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
1,260 MW

1.26 GW

Commissioning Year
2006

20 years old

Owner
Shenhua Guohua Electric Power Corporation
Location
31.5877°, 121.2556°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 31.587700, 121.255600
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
4.98 Mt
6071 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
99.56 Mt
Over 20 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2046
20 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.1M
cars per year
663.7K
homes per year
226.3M
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

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

The Guohua Taicang Power Station, with a capacity of 1260 megawatts (MW), is a significant coal-fired power plant located in Taicang, Jiangsu Province, China. Commissioned in 2006, this facility is owned and operated by Shenhua Guohua Electric Power Corporation, one of the leading energy companies in the country. The power station plays a crucial role in China's energy sector, contributing to the electricity supply required to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy.

As a coal-fired power plant, Guohua Taicang utilizes coal as its primary fuel source. Coal remains a dominant energy resource in China, accounting for a substantial portion of the country's total electricity generation. The plant's design and technology focus on optimizing efficiency and reducing emissions, which is essential given the environmental concerns associated with coal combustion. The thermal efficiency of the plant is enhanced through advanced technologies that aim to minimize the environmental footprint, adhering to national regulations aimed at curbing emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

The environmental impact of coal-fired power plants like Guohua Taicang is a significant consideration in China's energy policy. While coal provides a reliable and relatively inexpensive source of energy, it is also associated with high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The Chinese government has recognized these challenges and is pushing for cleaner energy alternatives, such as renewable energy sources and nuclear power. Nevertheless, coal-fired plants like Guohua Taicang continue to play a pivotal role in the short to medium term, particularly in regions with high energy demands.

Regionally, the Guohua Taicang Power Station serves as a vital component of the electricity grid in Jiangsu Province, which is one of the most economically developed areas in China. The power generated by this station supports local industries and households, ensuring a stable electricity supply that is crucial for economic growth and urban development. As such, the plant not only contributes to the energy needs of the region but also supports the broader national strategy for energy security and economic resilience.

In summary, the Guohua Taicang Power Station exemplifies the complexities of China's energy landscape, balancing the immediate needs for reliable electricity generation with the long-term challenges of environmental sustainability. As China continues to transition towards cleaner energy sources, coal-fired plants like Guohua Taicang will remain significant in the energy mix, offering insights into the ongoing evolution of the country's energy policies and practices.

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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