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Shanghai Lingang1,560 MW Natural Gas

Gas

The Shanghai Lingang 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 1560 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 Shenergy Company 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, Shanghai Lingang occupies the #6 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 1560 MW capacity represents a 2.41% 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 Lingang approximately 1.6 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0965% 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 5,466,240 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 1,822,080 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 30.8500° latitude and 121.8300° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Shanghai Caojing power station (coal-fired, 2000 MW), the Wujing power station (coal-fired, 1800 MW), the Power Station of Art (gas-fired, 1580 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
1,560 MW

1.56 GW

Commissioning Year
2010

16 years old

Owner
Shenergy Company Ltd
Location
30.8500°, 121.8300°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 30.850000, 121.830000
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
3.01 Mt
6150 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
48.21 Mt
Over 16 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2040
14 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
655.1K
cars per year
401.8K
homes per year
137.0M
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 Shanghai Lingang Power Plant: A Key Player in China's Gas-Fired Energy Landscape

The Shanghai Lingang Power Plant, located in China, is a prominent gas-fired power generation facility with a total capacity of 1560 megawatts (MW). Owned by Shenergy Company Ltd., this power plant plays a crucial role in meeting the growing energy demands of the Shanghai region and contributes to the overall stability of the country's energy sector. As China continues its transition towards cleaner energy sources, the Shanghai Lingang Power Plant stands out as an important asset in the nation's strategy to reduce reliance on coal and mitigate the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel consumption.

The plant primarily utilizes natural gas as its fuel source, which is known for being a cleaner alternative compared to coal and oil. Natural gas combustion emits significantly lower levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, thus contributing to improved air quality. Furthermore, natural gas power plants are generally more efficient than their coal-fired counterparts, allowing for greater energy output with reduced emissions per unit of electricity generated. This efficiency plays a pivotal role in addressing China's urgent need for sustainable energy solutions while supporting economic growth.

In terms of technical specifications, the Shanghai Lingang Power Plant employs advanced gas turbine technology, which enhances its operational efficiency and responsiveness to fluctuations in energy demand. The facility is designed to provide both base-load and peak-load power, making it versatile in its contributions to the energy grid. The integration of combined cycle systems, where waste heat is utilized to generate additional electricity, further maximizes energy production and minimizes fuel consumption.

The environmental impact of the Shanghai Lingang Power Plant is a focal point in discussions about energy policy and sustainable development in China. While natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel, the extraction and transportation of natural gas can still pose environmental challenges, including methane emissions from leaks during production and distribution. Nevertheless, the plant’s operation represents a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the energy sector in Shanghai and supports the city’s goals of enhancing energy efficiency and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Regionally, the Shanghai Lingang Power Plant is strategically positioned to supply electricity to one of China’s most populous and economically vital areas. As Shanghai continues to expand and develop, the demand for reliable and efficient energy sources will only increase. The power plant not only serves the immediate needs of urban consumers but also supports industrial activities that are essential for the city's economic dynamism. In this context, the Shanghai Lingang Power Plant is more than just a power generation facility; it is a critical component of Shanghai’s infrastructure and a key player in the broader narrative of China's energy transition.

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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