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Handan power station660 MW Coal

Coal

The Handan 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 660 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 GD Power Development Co Ltd, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2001, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Handan power station occupies the #517 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 660 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 Handan power station approximately 10.6 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0408% 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 3,179,880 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 1,059,960 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 36.6421° latitude and 114.4997° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Hanfeng power station (coal-fired, 1320 MW), the Shahe power station (coal-fired, 1200 MW), the Datang Matou power station (coal-fired, 1020 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
660 MW
Commissioning Year
2001

25 years old

Owner
GD Power Development Co Ltd
Location
36.6421°, 114.4997°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 36.642100, 114.499700
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
2.61 Mt
3180 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
65.19 Mt
Over 25 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2041
15 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
566.8K
cars per year
347.7K
homes per year
118.5M
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

Overview of Handan Power Station in China

The Handan Power Station, located in Handan City, Hebei Province, China, is a significant coal-fired power plant with a total installed capacity of 660 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2001 and owned by GD Power Development Co Ltd, this power station plays a crucial role in the energy landscape of China, particularly in meeting the growing electricity demand in the region. As one of the important facilities in the country's extensive network of coal power plants, Handan Power Station contributes to the stability and reliability of the power supply in northern China, which has historically been reliant on coal as a primary energy source.

The Handan Power Station utilizes coal as its main fuel type, which is abundant in China and has made coal a dominant source of energy for electricity generation. The facility employs advanced combustion technologies to maximize efficiency and minimize emissions, reflecting the ongoing efforts in the industry to enhance operational standards. Coal-fired power plants like Handan are designed to convert the chemical energy stored in coal into thermal energy through combustion, which then drives steam turbines to produce electricity. Despite technological advancements, coal remains a carbon-intensive fuel, raising concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and air quality.

In terms of environmental impact, the Handan Power Station, like many coal-fired plants, faces scrutiny regarding its contributions to air pollution and carbon emissions. The combustion of coal releases a range of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which can have detrimental effects on public health and the environment. In response to these challenges, the plant has implemented various emissions control technologies aimed at reducing its ecological footprint. However, the overall reliance on coal in the region continues to pose significant environmental challenges, particularly in the context of China's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.

Regionally, the Handan Power Station is vital for supporting local industries and residential energy needs. Its electricity generation capacity is essential for powering the local economy, which includes manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The stability of the power supply from this plant helps to foster economic development and improve living standards in the surrounding communities. Additionally, the plant's operation contributes to job creation and regional economic activity, although it also necessitates ongoing dialogue regarding sustainable energy practices and the transition to renewable sources. As China navigates its energy transition, the Handan Power Station exemplifies both the challenges and necessities of balancing energy demands with environmental stewardship in a rapidly developing energy sector.

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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