World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Cardinal1,880.4 MW Coal

Coal

The Cardinal power plant, located in the United States, is an essential coal-fired generation facility with a robust capacity of 1880.4 MW. Commissioned in 1970 and operated by Cardinal Operating Company, this plant has been a cornerstone of the regional energy landscape for decades. Utilising coal as its primary fuel source, the Cardinal plant employs conventional combustion technology to convert coal into electricity, supporting the local grid with its substantial output. Positioned at coordinates 40.2522° N latitude and -80.6486° W longitude, Cardinal is situated in a region where coal remains a dominant energy source, vital for meeting both residential and industrial electricity needs. Despite the growing emphasis on renewable energy and the national push towards cleaner alternatives, coal-fired plants like Cardinal still contribute significantly to energy generation in many parts of the U.S. The facility's operational context is increasingly influenced by energy policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fostering the development of alternative energy sources. As the country navigates its energy transition, the Cardinal power plant continues to provide critical support to the local grid, ensuring reliability and stability while adapting to the evolving energy landscape.

Capacity
1,880.4 MW

1.88 GW

Commissioning Year
1970

56 years old

Owner
Cardinal Operating Company
Location
40.2522°, -80.6486°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 40.252200, -80.648600
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.43 Mt
9060 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
416.02 Mt
Over 56 years of operation
Past Retirement
2010
16 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.6M
cars per year
990.5K
homes per year
337.7M
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.

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