The Shanxi Ruiguang 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 Shanxi International Energy Co Ltd, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2012, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Shanxi Ruiguang 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 Shanxi Ruiguang 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 37.7843° latitude and 112.7200° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Taiyuan 1 Coal (coal-fired, 1275 MW), the Taiyuan-2 power station (coal-fired, 1260 MW), the Yuci power station (coal-fired, 660 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.
14 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
Overview of Shanxi Ruiguang Power Station in China
The Shanxi Ruiguang Power Station is a significant coal-fired power facility located in Shanxi Province, China. With a total generation capacity of 660 megawatts (MW), this power station plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributing to China's overall energy supply. Commissioned in 2012 and owned by Shanxi International Energy Co. Ltd, the power station is part of China's ongoing efforts to enhance its energy infrastructure and ensure a reliable electricity supply for its growing population and industrial sector.
As a coal-fired power plant, Shanxi Ruiguang utilizes coal as its primary fuel source. Coal remains a dominant energy source in China, accounting for a significant portion of the country's electricity generation. The plant employs modern combustion technologies to optimize the efficiency of coal usage, which is essential in minimizing fuel costs and maximizing energy output. Despite advancements, coal combustion is associated with various environmental concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, and the management of coal ash and other by-products.
The environmental impact of the Shanxi Ruiguang Power Station is a subject of scrutiny, reflecting the broader challenges faced by coal-fired power plants in China. The facility is subject to stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. These regulations are part of China's commitment to improving air quality and combating climate change. However, the reliance on coal continues to raise questions about the sustainability of such energy sources in the long term, especially as the country shifts towards renewable energy initiatives.
Regionally, the Shanxi Ruiguang Power Station serves as an important energy provider for Shanxi Province, which has a historical reliance on coal production and consumption. The power station not only supports local electricity needs but also contributes to the economic stability of the region by providing jobs and supporting local industries. As China progresses towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, the role of such coal-fired plants may evolve, potentially transitioning to cleaner technologies or being phased out in favor of renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, the Shanxi Ruiguang Power Station exemplifies the complexities of China's energy sector, where the demand for electricity continues to rise amidst growing environmental concerns. While it plays a vital role in the current energy landscape, the future of coal-fired power plants like Shanxi Ruiguang will likely depend on the country's ability to balance energy production with environmental sustainability.
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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