World Power Plants

Wuhu Zhongdian power station1,320 MW Coal

Coal

The Wuhu Zhongdian power station is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in China, with geographical coordinates at 31.4528° N latitude and 118.3445° E longitude. Commissioned in 2008, this power plant has a robust capacity of 1320 MW, contributing substantially to the national energy mix. Operated by the China Power Investment Corporation (CPI), the plant plays a vital role in supporting the energy needs of the Anhui province and surrounding regions, ensuring a stable electricity supply for both residential and industrial consumers. The technology utilized at Wuhu Zhongdian is based on modern coal combustion methods, optimized for efficiency and emissions control. As a supercritical coal power plant, it leverages advanced boiler technology to achieve higher thermal efficiency, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of electricity generated compared to older, subcritical plants. This operational efficiency is crucial in the context of China’s ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources, amidst increasing environmental regulations and policy shifts aimed at reducing reliance on coal. The power station is strategically located to harness local coal resources, which not only supports energy generation but also contributes to regional economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development. The Wuhu Zhongdian power station's significance is further amplified by its integration into the local grid, which is essential for balancing supply and demand in the region. As China continues to grapple with energy security and environmental challenges, facilities like the Wuhu Zhongdian power station remain pivotal in meeting the nation’s immediate energy requirements while gradually transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future.

Capacity
1,320 MW

1.32 GW

Commissioning Year
2008

18 years old

Owner
China Power Investment Corporation (CPI)
Location
31.4528°, 118.3445°

China, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 285. largest of 4,431 plants in China
  • #1,536 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #551 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.08% of the installed capacity of China
Age & fleet comparison

18 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

China Power Investment Corporation (CPI) operates 16 plants totalling 21,915 MW

Regional density

43 plants within 100 km, 24,921 MW combined

Nearest plant: Jiujiang A (0.8 km)

Data provenance

Source: GCPT

Location

Coordinates:: 31.452800, 118.344500
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
5.22 Mt
6360 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
93.87 Mt
Over 18 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2048
22 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.1M
cars per year
695.3K
homes per year
237.0M
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

Wuhu Zhongdian Power Station: A Key Player in China's Coal-Fired Energy Landscape

The Wuhu Zhongdian Power Station, located in Wuhu City, Anhui Province, China, is a significant coal-fired power plant with a total installed capacity of 1320 MW. Commissioned in 2008, this facility is owned and operated by the China Power Investment Corporation (CPI), a major player in the country's energy sector. As coal remains a dominant source of energy in China, the Wuhu Zhongdian Power Station plays a critical role in supplying electricity to the national grid, thereby supporting both industrial and residential energy needs in a rapidly urbanizing region.

The Wuhu Zhongdian Power Station utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, which is abundant in China. Coal-fired power plants like Wuhu Zhongdian rely on the combustion of coal to generate steam that drives turbines, ultimately producing electricity. The plant's design incorporates advanced technologies aimed at improving efficiency and reducing emissions compared to older coal-fired facilities. However, coal as a fuel type is associated with significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter, which contribute to climate change and air quality deterioration. In response to these challenges, the Chinese government has been implementing stricter emissions regulations and promoting cleaner coal technologies to mitigate environmental impacts.

In the context of regional significance, the Wuhu Zhongdian Power Station not only addresses the local demand for electricity but also contributes to regional economic development. The electricity generated supports various industries in Anhui Province, which is a vital manufacturing hub in China. As the province continues to develop its industrial base, reliable electricity supply from facilities like Wuhu Zhongdian is crucial for sustaining growth and attracting investment.

Despite the ongoing transition toward renewable energy sources, coal-fired power plants like Wuhu Zhongdian remain integral to China's energy landscape, particularly in regions where renewable alternatives are not yet fully developed. The plant's operation reflects the ongoing balance that China is striving to achieve between energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. As the country moves toward its long-term goals of reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix, the role of coal power plants is being reassessed, and facilities like Wuhu Zhongdian are likely to undergo upgrades to comply with new standards and to enhance their environmental performance.

Overall, the Wuhu Zhongdian Power Station exemplifies the complexities of energy production in China, where the reliance on coal continues to pose significant challenges and opportunities in the quest for a sustainable energy future.

ChinaEnergy Profile

4,431
Total Plants
1617.1 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroNuclearGas
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