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Huaneng Taicang power station1,900 MW Coal

Coal

The Huaneng 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 1900 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 China Huaneng Group Corporation (CHNG), which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2004, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Huaneng Taicang power station occupies the #150 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1900 MW capacity represents a 0.18% 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 Huaneng Taicang power station approximately 3.7 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.1175% 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 9,154,200 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 3,051,400 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 31.6566° latitude and 121.1799° 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 Jiangsu Nantong power station (coal-fired, 3404 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
1,900 MW

1.90 GW

Commissioning Year
2004

22 years old

Owner
China Huaneng Group Corporation (CHNG)
Location
31.6566°, 121.1799°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 31.656600, 121.179900
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.51 Mt
9154 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
165.14 Mt
Over 22 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2044
18 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.6M
cars per year
1.0M
homes per year
341.2M
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

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

The Huaneng Taicang Power Station, located in Taicang City, Jiangsu Province, China, is a significant coal-fired power facility with a total installed capacity of 1,900 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2004, the power station is owned and operated by the China Huaneng Group Corporation (CHNG), one of China's largest state-owned energy enterprises. The power plant plays a crucial role in the country's energy sector, contributing to the growing demand for electricity in one of the world's most populous nations while also addressing the regional needs of the Yangtze River Delta economic area.

As a coal-fired power station, the Huaneng Taicang facility relies on coal as its primary fuel source, a common choice for power generation in China due to the country's rich domestic coal reserves. This fuel type is characterized by its high energy density, which allows for substantial electricity generation. However, the reliance on coal also raises concerns about environmental and health impacts, as coal combustion releases significant quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and climate change. In response to these concerns, the Huaneng Group has invested in advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency of the power station and reduce its emissions, aligning with China's broader goals of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

The Huaneng Taicang Power Station is strategically significant not only for its capacity but also for its geographic location. Situated in the economically vibrant Jiangsu Province, the station supports the energy demands of nearby industrial hubs and urban centers, including Shanghai. This region is one of the most economically developed in China, and the reliable electricity supply from the power plant is vital for sustaining industrial operations, residential needs, and overall economic growth.

Furthermore, the Chinese government has been actively promoting energy diversification and the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. While the Huaneng Taicang Power Station remains a key component of the coal-based energy infrastructure, it also faces pressure to adapt and comply with stricter environmental regulations and carbon reduction targets. This ongoing transition reflects China’s commitment to mitigating climate change and investing in renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, and hydropower.

In summary, the Huaneng Taicang Power Station serves as an essential pillar of China's energy framework, providing substantial electrical output and supporting regional economic development. Nonetheless, it exemplifies the challenges associated with coal dependency, highlighting the urgent need for an energy transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives in the face of global climate challenges.

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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