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Cumberland (TN)2,600 MW Coal

Coal

Cumberland Power Plant, located in the United States at coordinates 36.3903, -87.6539, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. With a capacity of 2600 MW, this plant has been an integral part of the energy landscape since its commissioning in 1973. The Cumberland facility utilises conventional coal combustion technology, contributing to the baseload power essential for the local grid in Tennessee and surrounding areas. The plant's substantial generation capacity ensures a reliable electricity supply, which is crucial for both residential and commercial consumers in the region. As the energy sector evolves, Cumberland faces the dual challenge of maintaining its operational efficiency while adhering to stricter environmental regulations aimed at reducing coal emissions. This context highlights the facility's role within broader national energy policies that promote a transition toward renewable energy sources while recognising the ongoing importance of coal in energy generation during this transitional period.

Capacity
2,600 MW

2.60 GW

Commissioning Year
1973

53 years old

Owner
Tennessee Valley Authority
Location
36.3903°, -87.6539°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 36.390300, -87.653900
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
10.27 Mt
12527 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
544.41 Mt
Over 53 years of operation
Past Retirement
2013
13 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
2.2M
cars per year
1.4M
homes per year
466.9M
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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