The Kolaghat Power Plant is a key infrastructure asset in India'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 West Bengal Power Development Corporation, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1990, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within India, Kolaghat Power Plant occupies the #152 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 840 MW capacity represents a 0.26% share of India's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 328,351 MW. The largest operational coal installation in India is the VINDH_CHAL STPS with an output of 4,760 MW, making the Kolaghat Power Plant approximately 5.7 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.1635% of India's aggregate generation capacity of 513,890 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 India 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 22.4178° latitude and 87.8713° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the KOLAGHAT (coal-fired, 1260 MW), the BUDGE BUDGE (coal-fired, 750 MW), the HALDIA (coal-fired, 600 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 India.
36 years old
India, 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
India- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Kolaghat Power Plant: A Major Coal-Fired Energy Facility in India
The Kolaghat Power Plant is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in the eastern state of West Bengal, India. With an installed capacity of 840 megawatts (MW), it plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributes significantly to the overall power supply in the country. Owned and operated by the West Bengal Power Development Corporation (WBPDCL), the plant has been instrumental in enhancing the energy infrastructure of West Bengal since its commissioning.
The Kolaghat Power Plant utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, leveraging the abundant availability of this fossil fuel in India. The plant's operations are based on conventional steam turbine technology, where coal is burned to generate steam, which then drives turbines to produce electricity. The facility's design includes multiple generating units, ensuring a steady and reliable output of power. The use of coal, while effective for energy generation, raises concerns regarding its environmental impact, primarily due to greenhouse gas emissions resulting from combustion. As coal is a carbon-intensive fuel, the plant's operations contribute to air pollution, which has been a growing concern in India as the country seeks to balance energy needs with environmental sustainability.
In the context of India's energy sector, the Kolaghat Power Plant serves as a pivotal asset in the state's strategy to provide reliable electricity to its population and support economic growth. The plant not only addresses the power requirements of West Bengal but also aids in stabilizing the regional grid, ensuring that electricity supply remains consistent even during peak demand periods. This reliability is crucial for industries, businesses, and households alike, as it fosters economic development and improves the quality of life for residents.
The environmental impact of the Kolaghat Power Plant is a topic of ongoing study and debate. While the facility contributes significantly to the local economy and energy supply, it also faces scrutiny regarding its emissions and ecological footprint. Efforts have been made to implement cleaner technologies and practices aimed at reducing the environmental impact of coal-fired power generation. This includes initiatives to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and explore carbon capture and storage technologies.
Regionally, the Kolaghat Power Plant holds strategic significance, being situated close to the coal-rich areas of eastern India. Its location facilitates the transportation of coal, thus ensuring a steady supply for uninterrupted power generation. Moreover, the plant's existence supports local employment and spurs ancillary industries, contributing to the economic landscape of West Bengal. As India continues to navigate its energy transition, the role of coal-fired power plants like Kolaghat remains complex, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers both energy security 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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