The Kraftwerk Bergkamen 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 RWE;evonik, 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, Kraftwerk Bergkamen 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 Kraftwerk Bergkamen 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 51.6367° latitude and 7.6174° 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
Kraftwerk Bergkamen: A Key Player in Germany's Coal-Fired Energy Landscape
Kraftwerk Bergkamen is a coal-fired power plant located in Germany, with a net electrical capacity of 717 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1981, the plant is jointly owned by RWE and Evonik, two significant players in the German energy sector. As a part of Germany's energy landscape, Kraftwerk Bergkamen has played a crucial role in providing a stable energy supply, particularly during periods of high demand. The plant utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, which has historically been a dominant energy source in Germany, contributing to the country's energy security and economic stability.
Coal, as a fuel type, is characterized by its high carbon content and energy density, making it a reliable option for baseload power generation. The combustion of coal generates steam that drives turbines to produce electricity. However, the use of coal also comes with significant environmental challenges, including the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. In response to these environmental concerns, Kraftwerk Bergkamen has implemented various technologies and operational practices aimed at improving efficiency and reducing emissions, though coal remains one of the more carbon-intensive energy sources.
As Germany transitions towards a more sustainable energy model, the reliance on coal, including plants like Kraftwerk Bergkamen, is being scrutinized. The German government has committed to phasing out coal-fired power generation in favor of renewable energy sources, aligning with the country's broader climate goals. This transition poses challenges but also opportunities for power plants like Bergkamen, which may need to adapt or upgrade their technology to remain viable in a changing energy landscape.
Regionally, Kraftwerk Bergkamen holds significance not just as a power generator but also as a contributor to the local economy. The plant provides jobs and supports ancillary businesses in the area, contributing to the economic fabric of the region. Despite the ongoing shift towards renewable energy, coal remains a significant part of Germany's energy mix, and plants like Bergkamen are integral to meeting current energy demands while the transition unfolds. The balance between energy security, economic stability, and environmental responsibility continues to shape the discourse surrounding Kraftwerk Bergkamen and similar facilities in Germany.
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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