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Big Bend1,903.5 MW Coal

Coal

Big Bend is a prominent coal-fired power generation facility located in the United States, specifically in Florida, with an impressive capacity of 1903.5 MW. Owned and operated by Tampa Electric Co, this facility has been a significant contributor to the regional energy supply since its commissioning in 1977. Positioned at coordinates 27.7944, -82.4036, Big Bend plays a vital role in the local energy mix, providing reliable electricity to meet the needs of both residential and industrial customers. The plant primarily utilises coal as its fuel source, complemented by petcoke and oil as secondary and tertiary fuels respectively. This diversified fuel approach allows Big Bend to maintain operational flexibility and reliability in its energy generation. As a major player in the energy landscape of Florida, Big Bend is integral to the state's electricity grid, especially during peak demand periods. Despite the increasing emphasis on renewable energy sources across the United States, coal remains a significant part of the energy mix in many regions, including Florida, where facilities like Big Bend continue to provide a substantial amount of baseload power. The operational context of Big Bend also reflects the broader energy policies in the U.S., which are gradually shifting towards a cleaner energy future. However, as it stands, Big Bend's substantial capacity ensures that it remains an essential component of Florida's energy generation strategy, fulfilling an important role in supporting economic growth and energy reliability for its customers.

Capacity
1,903.5 MW

1.90 GW

Commissioning Year
1977

49 years old

Owner
Tampa Electric Co
Location
27.7944°, -82.4036°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 27.794400, -82.403600
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.52 Mt
9171 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
368.49 Mt
Over 49 years of operation
Past Retirement
2017
9 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.6M
cars per year
1.0M
homes per year
341.8M
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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