World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Big Cajun 21,902.9 MW Coal

Coal

Big Cajun 2, located in the United States of America, is a significant coal-fired power plant with a capacity of 1902.9 MW, operated by Louisiana Generating LLC. Commissioned in 1981, this facility stands as a testament to the long-standing reliance on coal as a primary energy source in the region. Situated at coordinates 30.7261, -91.3692, Big Cajun 2 is strategically located to leverage local coal resources, playing a vital role in meeting the energy needs of Louisiana and the surrounding areas. The plant employs advanced coal combustion technology, with the capability to utilise natural gas as a secondary fuel, which enhances its operational flexibility and responsiveness to energy demand fluctuations. As the energy landscape evolves, Big Cajun 2 faces the challenges of environmental regulations and the growing emphasis on cleaner energy sources, making its operation crucial in balancing the regional energy mix while transitioning towards more sustainable practices. The plant's significant output supports the local grid, ensuring reliability for both industrial and residential consumers, while also contributing to the economic vitality of the region.

Capacity
1,902.9 MW

1.90 GW

Commissioning Year
1981

45 years old

Owner
Louisiana Generating LLC
Location
30.7261°, -91.3692°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 30.726100, -91.369200
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.52 Mt
9168 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
338.31 Mt
Over 45 years of operation
Past Retirement
2021
5 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.6M
cars per year
1.0M
homes per year
341.7M
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.

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power station data accurate and up-to-date.