Medupi Power Station
One of the largest power plants in South Africa
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 2015, Medupi Power Station is a coal power plant located in South Africa with an installed capacity of 4.8 GW. It is operated by Eskom. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in South Africa.
Why It Matters
Medupi Power Station is one of the largest sources of dispatchable power in South Africa, generating enough electricity for around 2.2 million US-equivalent households per year. Coal plants of this scale historically anchored national grids, but their high CO2 intensity makes them central targets in most decarbonization plans.
Environmental Impact
Medupi Power Station is among the most carbon-intensive forms of electricity generation. A plant of this size typically emits roughly 21.8 million tonnes of CO2 per year, along with particulate matter, sulfur compounds, and trace heavy metals. Most national decarbonization plans include phasing plants like this out within the next two decades.
Fun Facts
- One of the 10 largest power plants in South Africa.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 2.2 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 11 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Medupi Power Station produce?▾
Medupi Power Station has an installed nameplate capacity of 4.8 GW. At typical capacity factors for coal plants (~55%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 2.2 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Medupi Power Station located?▾
Medupi Power Station is located in South Africa at approximately -23.6833°, 27.5500°.
When was Medupi Power Station built?▾
Medupi Power Station was commissioned in 2015.
Who owns Medupi Power Station?▾
Medupi Power Station is owned and operated by Eskom.
About Coal Power
Coal power plants burn coal to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. While reliable and capable of producing large amounts of power, coal plants are significant sources of CO2 emissions and air pollution.
Other Coal Power Plants in South Africa
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Kusile Power Station | 4.8 GW | Eskom |
| ⚡Kendal Power Station | 4.1 GW | Eskom |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.