The Laicheng 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 1200 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 Huadian Power International Corporation Limited, 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, Laicheng power station occupies the #303 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1200 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 Laicheng power station approximately 5.8 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0742% 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 5,781,600 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 1,927,200 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 36.2547° latitude and 117.6725° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Huaneng Laiwu power station (coal-fired, 2660 MW), the Baiyanghe power station (coal-fired, 890 MW), the Huaneng Shandong Zibo Baiyanghe Power Plant (coal-fired, 600 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.
1.20 GW
25 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
Laicheng Power Station: An Overview of China's 1200 MW Coal-Fired Facility
Laicheng Power Station, located in China, is a significant coal-fired power plant with a total capacity of 1200 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2001, it operates under the ownership of Huadian Power International Corporation Limited, a prominent player in China's energy sector. The facility primarily utilizes coal as its fuel source, which is a common choice for power generation in China due to the country's abundant coal reserves. The plant's operation plays a crucial role in meeting the growing energy demands of the region and contributes to the stability of the national grid.
As a coal-fired power station, Laicheng employs a conventional thermal generation process, where coal is burned to produce steam that drives turbines connected to generators. This method of energy production, while effective in generating large amounts of electricity, raises important considerations related to fuel type. Coal is known for its high carbon content and energy density, making it a reliable but environmentally challenging energy source. The combustion of coal releases significant quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can contribute to air quality issues and climate change.
In recent years, China's energy landscape has been shifting towards cleaner and more sustainable sources, driven by government policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this trend, coal remains a dominant fuel for electricity generation due to its cost-effectiveness and availability. Laicheng Power Station, like many other coal-fired facilities in the country, has been scrutinized for its environmental impact, prompting discussions about carbon capture technologies and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
The regional significance of Laicheng Power Station cannot be understated. It serves as a key energy provider for the surrounding provinces, supporting industrial growth and urbanization. The plant's output is instrumental in powering homes, businesses, and infrastructure, thus playing a vital role in the local economy. Additionally, the plant's operations generate employment opportunities, contributing to the livelihoods of many in the area.
In conclusion, Laicheng Power Station exemplifies the complexities of energy production in China. While it is a crucial asset in the country's quest for energy security and economic development, it also highlights the environmental challenges associated with coal-fired power generation. As China navigates its energy transition, the future of facilities like Laicheng will be central to discussions about sustainable energy practices and the balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
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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