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Tongling Guodian power station1,200 MW Coal

Coal

The Tongling Guodian 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 1200 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 Guodian Tongling Power Generation Co Ltd, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2008, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Tongling Guodian power station occupies the #303 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1200 MW capacity represents a 0.12% 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 Tongling Guodian power station approximately 5.8 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0742% 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 5,781,600 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 1,927,200 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 31.0711° latitude and 117.9634° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Tongling Wanneng power station (coal-fired, 2600 MW), the Huadian Wuhu power station (coal-fired, 1320 MW), the Wuhu Zhongdian power station (coal-fired, 1320 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
1,200 MW

1.20 GW

Commissioning Year
2008

18 years old

Owner
Guodian Tongling Power Generation Co Ltd
Location
31.0711°, 117.9634°

China, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 31.071100, 117.963400
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
4.74 Mt
5782 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
85.34 Mt
Over 18 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2048
22 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.0M
cars per year
632.1K
homes per year
215.5M
trees to offset

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 Tongling Guodian Power Station in China

The Tongling Guodian Power Station is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in Tongling, Anhui Province, China. With a total installed capacity of 1200 megawatts (MW), this power station plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributes to the overall energy security of the country. Commissioned in 2008, the plant is owned and operated by Guodian Tongling Power Generation Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the State Power Investment Corporation, one of China's largest power producers.

As a coal-fired power plant, the Tongling Guodian Power Station primarily utilizes coal as its fuel source. Coal remains one of the most abundant and cost-effective energy resources available in China, providing a stable and reliable means of electricity generation. The facility employs advanced combustion technologies to optimize efficiency and minimize fuel consumption. The high thermal efficiency of the plant allows for significant energy output while reducing the amount of coal required per unit of electricity generated.

The environmental impact of coal-fired power plants, including Tongling Guodian, has been a topic of considerable discussion. While coal is a key component of China's energy mix, it is also associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). In order to mitigate the environmental effects, the Tongling Guodian Power Station implements various emissions control technologies aimed at reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter emissions. These measures are crucial in addressing air quality concerns in the region and comply with China’s stricter environmental regulations.

Regionally, the Tongling Guodian Power Station serves as a vital energy hub for Anhui Province, which has been experiencing rapid industrial growth and urbanization. The electricity generated by this power plant supports not only local industries but also residential and commercial energy needs. By providing a reliable power supply, the station facilitates economic development and helps improve the quality of life for residents in the surrounding areas.

The Tongling Guodian Power Station is emblematic of China's broader energy strategy, which continues to grapple with the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. While coal remains a dominant source of energy, the country is also investing in renewable energy sources and exploring cleaner technologies. As China transitions to a more diversified energy portfolio, the role of coal-fired plants like Tongling Guodian will evolve, but their immediate significance in the energy landscape remains undeniable.

ChinaEnergy Profile

4,431
Total Plants
1617.1 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroNuclearGas
Top Fuels

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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