The Qingtongxia Aluminum Works 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 CPI Ningxia Energy Aluminum, 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, Qingtongxia Aluminum Works 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 Qingtongxia Aluminum Works 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 37.9238° latitude and 105.9113° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Huadian Ningxia Lingwu power station (coal-fired, 3320 MW), the Daba power station (coal-fired, 2520 MW), the Shenery Wuzhong power station (coal-fired, 700 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.
16 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
Qingtongxia Aluminum Works Power Station: A Key Player in China's Energy Landscape
The Qingtongxia Aluminum Works power station, located in China, boasts a generation capacity of 660 megawatts (MW) and is primarily fueled by coal. Commissioned in 2010, this facility is owned and operated by CPI Ningxia Energy Aluminum, a subsidiary of China Power Investment Corporation. The power station plays a significant role in supporting the energy demands of the region, contributing notably to the electricity supply necessary for both industrial and residential use.
As a coal-fired power station, Qingtongxia utilizes coal as its primary energy source. Coal remains one of the most widely used fuels for electricity generation in China, owing to its abundant domestic reserves and established infrastructure for extraction and transportation. The technical operation of the power station involves burning coal to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, thereby converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Despite its efficiency in power generation, coal combustion is associated with various environmental impacts, including the emission of greenhouse gases and particulate matter, which contribute to air pollution and climate change.
The environmental impact of Qingtongxia Aluminum Works power station is a matter of concern, as coal-fired power plants are significant sources of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These emissions can lead to adverse health effects for local populations and contribute to environmental degradation. In response to growing environmental concerns, there have been ongoing efforts in China to implement cleaner technologies and emissions control systems to minimize the ecological footprint of coal-fired power generation. However, transitioning away from coal remains a complex challenge, given its critical role in the country's energy security and economic development.
Regionally, the Qingtongxia power station is vital for the economic activities in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, where it is situated. The facility not only supplies electricity to support local industries, including aluminum production, but also plays a role in stabilizing the grid in this part of China. The energy produced by the plant is essential for ensuring that manufacturing operations continue smoothly, contributing to local employment and economic growth.
In the broader context of China's energy sector, the Qingtongxia Aluminum Works power station exemplifies the country's dependence on coal for energy generation. While China is making strides towards diversifying its energy mix by incorporating renewable sources such as wind and solar, coal still represents a substantial portion of the energy supply. The challenge for facilities like Qingtongxia lies in balancing the need for reliable energy production while addressing environmental sustainability and adhering to national policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. As such, the power station remains a significant component of both the regional and national energy landscape, reflecting the complexities of energy production in an evolving economic and ecological framework.
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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