The Tongmei Datang 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 Zhangze Electric Power Co Ltd, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2014, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Tongmei Datang 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 Tongmei Datang 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 39.9796° latitude and 113.1859° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Datong - Tashan Coal (coal-fired, 4520 MW), the Datong power station (coal-fired, 3990 MW), the Tongmei Tashan power station (coal-fired, 2520 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.
12 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 Tongmei Datang Power Station in China
The Tongmei Datang Power Station is a coal-fired power facility located in China, with a total generation capacity of 660 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2014, the power station is owned by Shanxi Zhangze Electric Power Co Ltd, a prominent player in the region's energy sector. As part of China's broader energy strategy, the Tongmei Datang Power Station plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s electricity demands, particularly in the Shanxi province, which is known for its abundant coal reserves. The facility primarily utilizes coal as its fuel source, which is a significant aspect of its operation. Coal remains one of the dominant energy sources in China, accounting for a substantial portion of the nation's electricity generation. The choice of coal as a fuel type for the Tongmei Datang Power Station aligns with the region's rich geological endowment and the established infrastructure for coal mining and transportation. However, the use of coal also brings about considerable environmental challenges. Coal combustion is associated with high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can contribute to air quality deterioration and health issues in nearby communities. In response to these concerns, the Chinese government has been implementing various policies aimed at reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Despite these environmental impacts, the Tongmei Datang Power Station remains vital for regional power supply stability, ensuring that electricity is available to meet the needs of both residential and industrial consumers. Its operation supports local economic development by providing reliable energy, which is critical for industries and businesses in the area. Furthermore, the power station contributes to local job creation, both directly and indirectly, by supporting coal mining, transportation, and maintenance services. In summary, the Tongmei Datang Power Station serves as a significant contributor to China's energy landscape. While it underscores the reliance on coal as a primary energy source, it also highlights the ongoing challenges related to environmental sustainability. The power station’s existence is a reflection of the balancing act that China faces in meeting its energy needs while also addressing the urgent need for cleaner energy solutions.
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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