Kardia power station - 1,250 MW Coal Power Plant in Greece

Kardia power station is a coal-fired power plant located in Greece, with a capacity of 1,250 MW. Owned and operated by PPC (Public Power Corporation), it is a significant facility in the country's energy mix, providing baseload power to the grid. The plant is situated in the region of Western Macedonia, an area known for its lignite mining and power generation activities. The plant operates under Greek and EU environmental regulations, including the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants. As a coal-fired facility, it is subject to emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, and participates in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for CO2. The technology is likely subcritical or supercritical, typical for plants of this era. Kardia power station plays a key role in Greece's electricity supply, supporting industrial and residential demand. Its operation is closely tied to local lignite mining, providing economic benefits to the region. However, as a coal plant, it faces environmental challenges and regulatory pressures to reduce emissions, aligning with Greece's transition towards cleaner energy sources.

The plant's coal combustion results in significant CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, contributing to local and regional air quality concerns. Its location in a lignite-rich area means proximity to mining operations, which can affect land use and water resources. The facility's age and technology (likely subcritical) result in lower efficiency and higher emissions per MWh compared to modern plants. Regulatory frameworks like the EU Industrial Emissions Directive and EU ETS impose emission limits and carbon costs, driving potential retrofits or phase-out considerations.