Overview
Frimmersdorf power station is a 562 MW coal-fired plant in Germany, operated by RWE Power AG. It remains operational as part of the country's energy transition landscape.
Frimmersdorf power station is a coal-fired power plant located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, operated by RWE Power AG. With a capacity of 562 MW, it is a medium-sized facility within the German coal power sector, which has been gradually phasing out coal under national energy transition policies. The plant operates under the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets strict emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. As a coal-fired plant, it uses subcritical technology typical of older German facilities, contributing to higher CO2 emissions per MWh compared to modern combined-cycle gas turbines. The plant's age and technology profile place it under regulatory scrutiny as Germany moves toward its 2038 coal phase-out target. Frimmersdorf plays a role in providing baseload power to the regional grid, though its output is increasingly complemented by renewables. The facility's environmental impact is managed through compliance with EU Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions, which require continuous monitoring and emission reduction measures. Its location in the densely populated Ruhr region necessitates careful environmental management to minimize local air quality impacts.
Environmental context
The plant's coal combustion produces significant CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, contributing to both local air quality concerns and regional greenhouse gas inventories. Its location in North Rhine-Westphalia, a densely populated industrial region, means emissions affect a large population. The facility's age and subcritical technology result in lower efficiency compared to modern plants, increasing its carbon footprint per unit of electricity generated. Regulatory compliance under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive requires adherence to strict emission limits and periodic upgrades to meet BAT standards.
Frequently asked questions
Frimmersdorf power station is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, near the town of Grevenbroich. Its coordinates are approximately 51.0574 N, 6.5771 E.
Frimmersdorf power station has a capacity of 562 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-sized coal-fired plant in the German power generation fleet.
Frimmersdorf power station is owned and operated by RWE Power AG, one of Germany's largest energy companies.
Coal power plants in Germany must comply with the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Additionally, Germany's national coal phase-out law mandates a gradual shutdown of coal plants by 2038.
The primary fuel used at Frimmersdorf power station is coal, specifically lignite (brown coal), which is mined locally in the Rhineland region.