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Shanghai - Huaneng Gas1,212 MW Natural Gas

Gas

The Shanghai - Huaneng Gas 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 1212 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 Huaneng Group, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2006, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Shanghai - Huaneng Gas occupies the #13 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 1212 MW capacity represents a 1.87% 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 Shanghai - Huaneng Gas approximately 2.1 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0749% 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 4,246,848 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 1,415,616 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 31.4600° latitude and 121.4000° 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 CPI Changshu-1 power station (coal-fired, 3320 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
1,212 MW

1.21 GW

Commissioning Year
2006

20 years old

Owner
Huaneng Group
Location
31.4600°, 121.4000°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 31.460000, 121.400000
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
2.34 Mt
4778 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
46.82 Mt
Over 20 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2036
10 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
508.9K
cars per year
312.1K
homes per year
106.4M
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 Shanghai Huaneng Gas Power Plant

The Shanghai Huaneng Gas Power Plant, located in China, stands as a significant contributor to the country's energy landscape with a total generating capacity of 1212 megawatts (MW). This gas-fired power plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, making it a vital asset in China's efforts to transition towards more sustainable energy practices. As the country grapples with environmental challenges, the Shanghai Huaneng Gas Power Plant plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the national goal of increasing the share of renewable and low-carbon energy in its energy mix.

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, a hydrocarbon that, when burned, produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor, emitting significantly fewer pollutants compared to traditional fossil fuels. The combustion of natural gas results in lower particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx), thereby contributing to improved air quality when compared to coal-fired plants. The Shanghai Huaneng Gas Power Plant exemplifies the technological advancements in gas turbine systems, which allow for high efficiency and rapid response to fluctuating electricity demand. This operational flexibility is essential in a country experiencing rapid industrial growth and urbanization, where energy needs can vary significantly throughout the day.

In terms of environmental impact, the Shanghai Huaneng Gas Power Plant represents a step towards mitigating climate change. By utilizing natural gas, the plant helps lower the carbon footprint of power generation in the region. However, it is important to acknowledge that while natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel, it is still a fossil fuel, and its extraction and transportation can lead to methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas. Therefore, while the plant contributes positively to reducing emissions relative to coal, ongoing monitoring and improvements in gas supply chain management are vital to maximizing its environmental benefits.

Regionally, the Shanghai Huaneng Gas Power Plant holds significant importance in ensuring energy security for Shanghai and surrounding areas. As one of China's most populous and economically vibrant regions, the demand for reliable electricity supply is paramount. The plant not only meets this demand but also contributes to the stability of the grid, especially during peak load periods. Additionally, the establishment of such gas power plants aligns with China's strategic initiatives to diversify its energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce reliance on coal, which has historically been the backbone of Chinese energy production.

In conclusion, the Shanghai Huaneng Gas Power Plant is a critical component of China's energy strategy, representing a shift towards cleaner energy generation. Its operational efficiency, environmental advantages, and regional significance underscore its role in shaping a sustainable energy future for China.

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.

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