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Craig (CO)1,427.6 MW Coal

Coal

The Craig Power Plant, located in the United States at coordinates 40.4627, -107.5912, is a significant contributor to the energy generation landscape of Colorado. Commissioned in 1981, this coal-fired power plant boasts a capacity of 1427.6 MW, making it one of the larger coal facilities in the region. Operated by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, the Craig Power Plant plays a critical role in supplying electricity to the local grid, particularly in serving rural and cooperative members throughout its service area. As a coal-based facility, it utilises traditional combustion technology to convert coal into electricity, which remains a significant part of the national energy mix despite the growing focus on renewable energy sources. The plant's operational context is influenced by ongoing discussions surrounding energy policy in the United States, particularly as states, including Colorado, seek to diversify their energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Craig Power Plant is positioned as a foundational energy provider while the region transitions towards more sustainable solutions.

Capacity
1,427.6 MW

1.43 GW

Commissioning Year
1981

45 years old

Owner
Tri-State G & T Assn Inc
Location
40.4627°, -107.5912°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 40.462700, -107.591200
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
5.64 Mt
6878 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
253.80 Mt
Over 45 years of operation
Past Retirement
2021
5 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.2M
cars per year
752.0K
homes per year
256.4M
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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