The Zhangze Changzhi 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 840 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 Zhangze Power, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1989, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Zhangze Changzhi power station occupies the #430 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 840 MW capacity represents a 0.08% 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 Zhangze Changzhi power station approximately 8.3 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0519% 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 4,047,120 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 1,349,040 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 36.3228° latitude and 113.0807° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Zhangshan power station (coal-fired, 1800 MW), the Wangqu power station (coal-fired, 1200 MW), the Changzhi 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.
37 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
Zhangze Changzhi Power Station: A Key Player in China's Energy Landscape
The Zhangze Changzhi power station, located in the Shanxi province of China, is a significant coal-fired power facility with a total generation capacity of 840 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1989 and owned by Zhangze Power, this power plant has played a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributing to the national grid. As one of the many coal-based power stations in China, it reflects the country's reliance on coal as a primary source of energy, especially during the late 20th century when rapid industrialization drove electricity consumption to unprecedented levels.
The fuel type used at Zhangze Changzhi is coal, which has been a predominant energy source in China for decades. Coal-fired power plants like Zhangze Changzhi utilize steam generation technology, where coal is burned to produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The plant operates with a combination of subcritical and supercritical boiler technologies, which are designed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. However, despite advancements in technology, coal combustion inherently results in significant carbon dioxide emissions, along with other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which have raised environmental concerns.
In the context of China's energy sector, the Zhangze Changzhi power station serves as a vital contributor to the local and national electricity supply. The plant not only provides power to nearby urban centers but also supports the industrial activities that are central to the region's economy. Shanxi province, rich in coal reserves, has historically been a hub for coal mining and energy production. The Zhangze Changzhi power station, therefore, is integral to sustaining the energy needs of a region characterized by heavy industry, manufacturing, and urbanization.
However, the environmental impact of coal-fired power plants like Zhangze Changzhi cannot be overlooked. The combustion of coal releases greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, and local air quality can be adversely affected by emissions of particulate matter and other pollutants. In response to these challenges, China has been increasingly focusing on transitioning towards cleaner energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Nevertheless, the Zhangze Changzhi power station remains operational and continues to play a significant role in the energy mix of the country, particularly in the near term while the transition to renewables gathers pace.
Regionally, the Zhangze Changzhi power station holds significance not only for its role in energy production but also for its economic impact. It provides employment opportunities and supports local supply chains related to coal mining and energy services. As China progresses towards its emissions reduction targets and aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its portfolio, the future of coal-fired plants like Zhangze Changzhi will be a topic of ongoing discussion and evaluation. Ultimately, while the plant remains a crucial asset for energy generation in China, the challenges of sustainability and environmental protection will shape its operational landscape in the years to come.
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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