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Stepnogorsk Thermal Power Plant180 MW Coal

Coal

The Степногорская ТЭЦ coal-fired power generation facility holds the 52nd position among 123 power plants in Kazakhstan, with a capacity of 180 MW. This ranking reflects its role in the national energy landscape, where coal remains the primary fuel source. Among the 46 coal plants in Kazakhstan, it ranks 31st, illustrating its contribution to the country's energy production, albeit within a competitive sector that is largely dominated by larger facilities. Commissioned to operate in an isolated location, Степногорская ТЭЦ employs traditional coal combustion technology to generate electricity. This method utilizes the thermal energy released from burning coal to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate power. While coal is often criticized for its environmental impact, it remains a significant energy source in Kazakhstan, accounting for a substantial portion of the national grid's capacity. One notable aspect of Степногорская ТЭЦ is its geographic isolation; there are no other power plants within a 50 km radius. This positioning highlights its critical role in supplying electricity to the surrounding areas, particularly as Kazakhstan works to balance energy demands across its vast landscape. The facility's contribution is essential in ensuring energy accessibility, especially in regions that may not have immediate access to alternative energy sources. Kazakhstan's energy profile features a total of 123 power plants with an aggregate capacity of 42,418 MW, with coal being the dominant fuel type. Степногорская ТЭЦ accounts for approximately 0.42% of the national capacity. While this percentage may seem small, the plant's operation is vital to maintaining the stability of the local grid and supporting the country’s economic activities. Operated by a local entity since its commissioning, Степногорская ТЭЦ stands as a testament to Kazakhstan's reliance on coal for energy production. As the nation contemplates a future of energy diversification and sustainability, the plant embodies both the challenges and opportunities facing Kazakhstan's energy sector. Moving forward, advancements in technology and environmental regulations may shape the future of coal facilities like Степногорская ТЭЦ, as the country seeks to balance economic growth with ecological responsibilities.

Capacity
180 MW
Commissioning Year
1975

51 years old

Owner
Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company
Location
52.4843°, 72.0371°

Kazakhstan, Asia

Location
Coordinates:: 52.484329, 72.037120
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
711.1 Kt
867 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
36.27 Mt
Over 51 years of operation
Past Retirement
2015
11 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
154.6K
cars per year
94.8K
homes per year
32.3M
trees to offset

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
Kazakhstan
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database
KazakhstanEnergy Profile
123
Total Plants
42.4 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroGasSolar
Top Fuels
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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