The Bergkamen power station is a key infrastructure asset in Germany's power generation grid, located on the continent of Europe. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 717 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 Gemeinschaftskraftwerk Bergkamen A oHG, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1981, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Germany, Bergkamen power station occupies the #29 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 717 MW capacity represents a 1.18% share of Germany's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 60,666 MW. The largest operational coal installation in Germany is the Niederaussem power station with an output of 3,430 MW, making the Bergkamen power station approximately 4.8 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.4723% of Germany's aggregate generation capacity of 151,803 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 3,454,506 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in Germany consumes 4 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 863,627 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 51.6370° latitude and 7.6191° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Gersteinwerk (gas-fired, 2004.5 MW), the Westfalen (coal-fired, 1049 MW), the Trianel Natural Gaskraftwerk (gas-fired, 838 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 Germany.
45 years old
Germany, Europe
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
Germany- Continent
- Europe
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Overview of Bergkamen Power Station: A Key Player in Germany's Energy Landscape
The Bergkamen power station, located in Germany, is a significant coal-fired power facility with a total capacity of 717 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1981, it is operated by Gemeinschaftskraftwerk Bergkamen A oHG, and has played a crucial role in the energy sector of Germany for over four decades. This power station is primarily fueled by coal, a resource that has been a cornerstone of Germany's energy production, especially in the latter half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century.
As a coal-fired facility, Bergkamen utilizes bituminous coal, which is known for its high energy content and efficiency in producing electricity. The combustion of coal in power stations like Bergkamen generates steam that drives turbines, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. However, the use of coal as a fuel source has raised significant environmental concerns due to the emissions produced during combustion, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter. These emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change, leading to stringent regulatory measures and a gradual shift towards cleaner energy sources across Europe.
In the context of Germany's energy landscape, the Bergkamen power station is a testament to the country’s historic reliance on coal as a primary energy source. Despite the ongoing transition toward renewable energy—such as wind and solar—the station remains operational and continues to supply a considerable amount of electricity to the national grid. This is particularly important in regions where energy demand fluctuates, as coal-fired plants like Bergkamen can provide stable base-load power to complement intermittent renewable sources.
Regionally, the Bergkamen power station holds significance not only for its energy production but also for its economic impact. It provides jobs to a number of local residents and supports ancillary industries related to coal mining and transportation. The facility’s presence also contributes to the local economy through taxes and infrastructure development, making it an integral part of the community’s economic fabric.
In recent years, the German government has committed to phasing out coal-fired power plants as part of its ambitious climate goals, aiming for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This has put the future of the Bergkamen power station in a state of uncertainty as the country transitions towards a more sustainable energy model. Nevertheless, its historical and current contributions to energy supply and regional development highlight the complex challenges faced in balancing energy needs with environmental responsibilities. As Germany moves forward, the legacy and operations of the Bergkamen power station will remain a focal point in discussions about energy policy, economic stability, and environmental stewardship.
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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