World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Henan Zhengzhou780 MW Natural Gas

Gas

The Henan Zhengzhou 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 780 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Zhengzhou Combined Cycle Power Co. Ltd, 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, Henan Zhengzhou occupies the #34 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 780 MW capacity represents a 1.21% share of China's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 64,706 MW. The largest operational gas installation in China is the Black Point Power Station with an output of 2,500 MW, making the Henan Zhengzhou approximately 3.2 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0482% of China's aggregate generation capacity of 1,617,141 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of gas power plants (modeled at 40% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 2,733,120 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 911,040 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 34.8000° latitude and 113.5300° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Henan Xinmi power station (coal-fired, 2700 MW), the Dengfeng-2 power station (coal-fired, 1900 MW), the Jiaozuo - Shenhua 7-8 Coal (coal-fired, 1320 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
780 MW
Commissioning Year
2010

16 years old

Owner
Zhengzhou Combined Cycle Power Co. Ltd
Location
34.8000°, 113.5300°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 34.800000, 113.530000
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
1.51 Mt
3075 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
24.11 Mt
Over 16 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2040
14 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
327.5K
cars per year
200.9K
homes per year
68.5M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Gas
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
China
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

Overview of the Henan Zhengzhou Gas Power Plant in China

The Henan Zhengzhou power plant, with a capacity of 780 megawatts (MW), stands as a significant contributor to China's energy landscape. Owned by Zhengzhou Combined Cycle Power Co. Ltd., this facility primarily utilizes natural gas as its fuel source. Located in the city of Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, the power plant plays a vital role in meeting the energy demands of a rapidly growing region in central China. The strategic use of gas in power generation aligns with China's broader goals of transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing reliance on coal, which has historically dominated the country's energy mix.

Natural gas, the primary fuel for the Henan Zhengzhou plant, is known for its relatively lower carbon emissions compared to coal. When combusted, natural gas emits about 50% less carbon dioxide than coal and produces no sulfur dioxide, a major contributor to acid rain. The plant employs combined cycle technology, which enhances efficiency by using both gas and steam turbines. Initially, natural gas is burned in a gas turbine to generate electricity, and the hot exhaust gases are then used to produce steam that drives a steam turbine for additional electricity generation. This dual process allows for higher overall efficiency rates, often exceeding 60%, making it one of the more effective methods of power generation available today.

The environmental impact of the Henan Zhengzhou power plant is notably less severe than that of traditional coal-fired power plants. The use of natural gas helps mitigate air pollution concerns, which are critical in urban areas like Zhengzhou, where air quality has been a growing issue. Additionally, the facility's operations contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, thus aligning with China's commitments to international climate agreements aimed at curbing global warming.

Regionally, the Henan Zhengzhou power plant serves as a backbone for the local and surrounding economies, providing not only electricity but also job opportunities and supporting infrastructure development. As Zhengzhou continues to develop as a transport and logistics hub, the demand for reliable energy sources grows. The plant's capacity to generate substantial power plays a crucial role in supporting industrial activities, residential needs, and commercial enterprises in the area. Furthermore, the increased reliance on natural gas is part of a broader national strategy to enhance energy security and diversify energy sources, reducing the vulnerability associated with excessive dependence on coal.

In summary, the Henan Zhengzhou gas power plant is an essential component of China's energy framework, offering cleaner energy, improved efficiency, and support for regional economic growth. Its operational model reflects the country's ongoing transition towards more sustainable energy practices, while simultaneously addressing the immediate energy needs of one of its key urban centers.

ChinaEnergy Profile

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

Gas Power Generation: An Overview of Its Mechanisms, Benefits, and Future Prospects

Gas power generation is a significant component of the global energy landscape, characterized by the use of natural gas to produce electricity. This process typically involves either gas turbines or combined cycle gas plants. In a gas turbine, compressed air is mixed with natural gas and ignited, producing high-temperature exhaust gases that spin a turbine connected to a generator. Combined cycle plants enhance efficiency by utilizing both gas and steam turbines. After the gas turbine generates electricity, the waste heat is used to produce steam, which drives a steam turbine, thereby maximizing energy extraction from the fuel.

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.