World Power Plants

Rooiwal Power Station, located in South Africa, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 300 MW. Commissioned in 1966, this power plant operates at coordinates -25.5550° S latitude and 28.2376° E longitude, contributing to the energy mix of Gauteng province, which is one of the country's most industrialized regions. The utilization of coal as a fuel source is a traditional but controversial choice, given the global shift towards renewable energy. However, Rooiwal plays a crucial role in providing a stable and continuous electricity supply to local communities and businesses, particularly during peak demand periods. Operated by the Tshwane Electricity Division, the facility exemplifies the challenges and opportunities facing South Africa as it seeks to balance energy security with environmental sustainability. The Rooiwal Power Station aligns with the national energy policy that emphasizes the importance of coal in the short to medium term, while also acknowledging the need for diversification into renewable sources. The operational context of this coal facility reflects the broader energy transition in South Africa, where the government is exploring ways to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Despite the push for greener alternatives, Rooiwal remains an integral part of the energy landscape, ensuring that the region's power needs are met while the country navigates its energy future.

Capacity
300 MW
Commissioning Year
1966

60 years old

Owner
Tshwane Electricity Division
Location
-25.5550°, 28.2376°

South Africa, Africa

Context & rankings
  • 34. largest of 232 plants in South Africa
  • #6,026 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,851 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.42% of the installed capacity of South Africa
Age & fleet comparison

60 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

Tshwane Electricity Division operates 1 plants totalling 300 MW

Regional density

14 plants within 100 km, 7,485 MW combined

Nearest plant: Pretoria West power station (24.4 km)

Data provenance

Source: GCPT

Location

Coordinates:: -25.555000, 28.237600
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
1.19 Mt
1445 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
71.11 Mt
Over 60 years of operation
Past Retirement
2006
20 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
257.7K
cars per year
158.0K
homes per year
53.9M
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
South Africa
Continent
Africa
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

South AfricaEnergy Profile

232
Total Plants
71.9 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydroSolarGas
Top Fuels

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