Overview
Heyden power station is an 875 MW coal-fired power plant in Petershagen, Germany, operated by E.On Kraftwerke GmbH. It plays a key role in the regional grid.
Heyden power station is a coal-fired power plant located in Petershagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With a capacity of 875 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale facility within the German power generation sector. The plant is operated by E.On Kraftwerke GmbH and remains operational. The plant uses coal as its primary fuel and operates under the regulatory framework of the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets strict limits on emissions of SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. German coal plants are also subject to national carbon pricing under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The technology is likely subcritical or supercritical, typical for plants of this vintage and size. Heyden power station contributes to Germany's energy mix, providing baseload power to the grid. Its location in a rural area near the Weser River minimizes direct population exposure, but the plant still faces environmental scrutiny due to CO2 emissions and coal ash management. The facility's role in the energy transition is significant as Germany phases out coal by 2038.
Environmental context
The plant's coal combustion produces CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, impacting local air quality and contributing to regional acid deposition. Its location near the Weser River raises concerns about water use and thermal discharge. The facility operates under EU emission limits and must comply with the Industrial Emissions Directive, including Best Available Techniques (BAT) for emission control. As Germany transitions away from coal, the plant faces long-term regulatory and economic pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Heyden power station is located in Petershagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, near the Weser River.
Heyden power station has a capacity of 875 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large coal-fired power plant.
Heyden power station is operated by E.On Kraftwerke GmbH, a major German energy company.
As a German coal plant, Heyden power station must comply with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), which set limits on emissions and require carbon allowances.
Heyden power station provides baseload power but faces phase-out under Germany's coal exit plan by 2038. Its operation is subject to increasing carbon costs and regulatory pressure to reduce emissions.