World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

AES Petersburg2,154.8 MW Coal

Coal

AES Petersburg, located in the United States at coordinates 38.5281, -87.2525, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility that boasts a capacity of 2154.8 MW. Operated by Indianapolis Power & Light Co, this plant has been an integral part of Indiana's energy landscape since its commissioning in 1976. The facility utilises traditional coal technology for electricity generation, and while coal has historically been a dominant energy source in the United States, AES Petersburg is now navigating the complexities of transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives. As a significant contributor to the local grid, the plant plays a critical role in meeting the energy needs of the surrounding communities and supports industrial and residential consumers alike. Despite the challenges posed by environmental regulations and the shift towards renewable energy sources, AES Petersburg continues to operate, providing essential baseload power. The operational context of this facility is increasingly shaped by state and federal energy policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy technologies. As the United States moves toward a more sustainable energy future, the role of coal plants like AES Petersburg is evolving, as they are required to adapt to new regulations and market conditions.

Capacity
2,154.8 MW

2.15 GW

Commissioning Year
1976

50 years old

Owner
Indianapolis Power & Light Co
Location
38.5281°, -87.2525°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 38.528100, -87.252500
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
8.51 Mt
10382 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
425.65 Mt
Over 50 years of operation
Past Retirement
2016
10 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.9M
cars per year
1.1M
homes per year
387.0M
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
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,047
Total Stations
1386.4 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearHydro
Top Fuels

Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source: An Overview

Coal has been a cornerstone of electricity generation for over a century, accounting for a significant share of global energy production. As of now, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants worldwide, distributed across 74 countries, with a total installed capacity of around 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading countries in coal power generation include China, which operates 1,018 plants with a capacity of 1,038.0 GW, followed by India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants at 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, which have 130 and 61 plants, respectively, with capacities of 76.8 GW and 63.9 GW.

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