The Zhejiang Zhenhai 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 860 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 Zhejiang Zheneng Electric Power Co Ltd, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1988, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Zhejiang Zhenhai power station occupies the #426 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 860 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 Zhejiang Zhenhai power station approximately 8.1 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0532% 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 4,143,480 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 1,381,160 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 29.9445° latitude and 121.6881° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Guodian Beilun Power Station (coal-fired, 5060 MW), the Datang Wushashan power station (coal-fired, 2400 MW), the Zheneng Liuheng power station (coal-fired, 2000 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.
38 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
Zhejiang Zhenhai Power Station: A Key Player in China's Energy Landscape
The Zhejiang Zhenhai Power Station is a significant coal-fired power plant located in the Zhenhai District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. Commissioned in 1988, the facility has a total capacity of 860 megawatts (MW) and is operated by Zhejiang Zheneng Electric Power Co Ltd. As one of the critical energy generation assets in the region, the Zhenhai Power Station plays an essential role in supporting China's growing energy demands while also contributing to the local and national economy.
The power station utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, a common choice in China's energy sector due to the country's abundant coal reserves. Coal-fired power plants like Zhenhai are designed to convert the energy released from burning coal into electricity through steam generation and turbine operation. However, this fuel type presents significant environmental challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. As a result, the operation of coal-fired power plants is increasingly scrutinized in light of global climate change initiatives and local air quality regulations.
In recent years, China has made strides toward reducing its reliance on coal and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as renewables and natural gas. Nevertheless, coal remains a dominant part of the energy mix due to its cost-effectiveness and the country's ongoing industrial demands. The Zhejiang Zhenhai Power Station, therefore, continues to play a critical role in providing stable electricity supply to meet the needs of the Zhejiang Province, which has a substantial industrial base and a growing population.
The environmental impact of the Zhenhai Power Station, like many coal-fired plants, is a subject of concern. The facility has been subject to various environmental regulations aimed at mitigating its carbon footprint and improving air quality. Technological advancements have led to the implementation of pollution control measures, including flue gas desulfurization systems and particulate matter control technologies. Despite these efforts, the plant still contributes to regional air pollution and poses challenges for achieving national environmental goals.
In the context of regional significance, the Zhejiang Zhenhai Power Station serves as a vital energy supplier for the Ningbo area, a key economic hub in southeastern China. Its contributions support local industries and businesses, facilitating economic growth and development. As the country strives to balance energy needs with environmental stewardship, the future of the Zhenhai Power Station may involve further upgrades or shifts toward cleaner technologies, reflecting broader trends in China's energy policy and its commitment to 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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