The Frimmersdorf 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 562 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 RWE Power AG, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1962, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Germany, Frimmersdorf power station occupies the #37 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 562 MW capacity represents a 0.93% 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 Frimmersdorf power station approximately 6.1 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3702% 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 2,707,716 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 676,929 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 51.0574° latitude and 6.5771° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Niederaussem power station (coal-fired, 3430 MW), the Kraftwerk Niederaußem (coal-fired, 3133 MW), the Kraftwerk Weisweiler (coal-fired, 2361 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.
64 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
Frimmersdorf Power Station: A Key Player in Germany's Coal-Fired Energy Landscape
The Frimmersdorf power station, located in Germany, is a coal-fired power facility with a total capacity of 562 megawatts (MW). Owned by RWE Power AG, the plant was commissioned in 1962 and has played a significant role in the country's energy sector for several decades. As a part of RWE's extensive portfolio, Frimmersdorf represents one of the critical components of Germany's reliance on coal as a primary energy source, particularly during the latter half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century.
The power station utilizes coal as its fuel source, which is known for its high energy density and widespread availability. Coal combustion generates the steam necessary to drive turbines, ultimately converting thermal energy into electrical energy. While coal remains a significant contributor to energy production due to its cost-effectiveness and established infrastructure, it is also associated with considerable environmental concerns. The burning of coal releases various pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, contributing to air quality issues and climate change. In light of these environmental impacts, Frimmersdorf, like many coal plants, has faced increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and implement cleaner technologies.
In the context of Germany's energy sector, Frimmersdorf power station has historically been a reliable source of baseload power, providing stability to the national grid and supporting energy security. However, the plant's role has evolved as the country transitions towards more sustainable energy sources. Germany's ambitious Energiewende (energy transition) policy aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix. This transition has led to a gradual decline in coal usage, with many plants, including Frimmersdorf, facing potential closure or retrofitting to comply with stricter emissions regulations.
The regional significance of Frimmersdorf cannot be understated, as it has been a key employer in the area and has contributed to local economic stability. The presence of the power station has fostered development in surrounding sectors, including transportation and services. Nonetheless, the ongoing shift away from coal raises questions about the future of such facilities, and the potential impacts on local communities and economies.
Overall, the Frimmersdorf power station serves as a historical landmark in Germany's energy landscape, emblematic of the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning from conventional energy sources to a more sustainable future. Its legacy highlights the balance between energy production, economic considerations, and environmental stewardship as Germany navigates its energy transformation.
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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