The Taicanggang 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 1300 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 Taicang GCL Power Co Ltd, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2004, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Taicanggang power station occupies the #262 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1300 MW capacity represents a 0.13% 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 Taicanggang power station approximately 5.4 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0804% 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 6,263,400 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 2,087,800 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 31.5877° latitude and 121.2566° 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.
1.30 GW
22 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 Taicanggang Power Station in China
Taicanggang Power Station is a coal-fired power facility located in Taicang, Jiangsu Province, China. With a total installed capacity of 1300 megawatts (MW), this power station plays a significant role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributes to the overall energy supply of the country. Commissioned in 2004 and owned by Taicang GCL Power Co Ltd, the power station has been a critical asset in supporting China's rapid industrial growth and urbanization.
As a coal-fired power plant, Taicanggang utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, which has been a dominant energy resource in China for decades. Coal is known for its high energy density and availability, making it a cost-effective option for power generation. The plant employs advanced combustion technologies to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, although coal remains a carbon-intensive fuel. The use of coal in power generation is a double-edged sword; while it allows for reliable and continuous electricity supply, it also raises concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with coal combustion.
In terms of environmental impact, coal-fired power plants like Taicanggang are often criticized for their contribution to air pollution and climate change. The combustion of coal releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can lead to acid rain and respiratory problems. Recognizing these issues, the Chinese government has been making strides toward cleaner energy and stricter environmental regulations. Taicanggang, like many other coal plants, faces pressure to adopt technologies that can mitigate its environmental footprint, such as flue gas desulfurization and carbon capture and storage.
Regionally, Taicanggang Power Station holds substantial importance. It not only provides energy to the local population and industries but also supports the broader Jiangsu Province's economy, which is one of the most developed areas in China. The power station's output is integral to sustaining local manufacturing and economic activities, providing a reliable energy source for businesses and households alike. As China continues to transition towards renewable energy sources, Taicanggang illustrates the ongoing reliance on coal while highlighting the balance that must be struck between energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
In summary, the Taicanggang Power Station stands as a testament to China's energy landscape, reflecting both the challenges and necessities of coal-based power generation in a rapidly evolving energy sector. Its operational capacity and role in the local economy underscore the complexities of energy production in a country striving for sustainable development.
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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