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Gallatin (TN)1,918.4 MW Coal

Coal

The Gallatin power station, located in Tennessee, United States, is a prominent coal-fired power generation facility that has been operational since 1968. With a capacity of 1918.4 MW, this power plant plays a vital role in supplying electricity to the Tennessee Valley region. Operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Gallatin power station is integral to the local grid, providing reliable energy to meet the demands of both residential and industrial consumers. Situated at coordinates 36.3156 latitude and -86.4006 longitude, the Gallatin power station is strategically located to enhance energy security in the region. The facility primarily utilises coal as its fuel source, complemented by oil and gas as secondary and tertiary fuels, respectively. This multi-fuel capability allows the plant to adapt to varying fuel market conditions, ensuring a consistent energy supply regardless of fluctuations in fuel availability. In the context of U.S. energy policy, the Gallatin power station is an essential component of the energy mix in Tennessee, particularly as the region grapples with the challenges of transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. While coal remains a significant part of the energy landscape, the Tennessee Valley Authority is actively exploring opportunities to incorporate renewable energy into its portfolio, balancing the need for reliable power generation with environmental considerations. The operational management of the Gallatin power station emphasises efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations, with ongoing efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with coal-fired generation. The facility’s historical significance and substantial capacity make it a critical asset in the Tennessee Valley’s energy infrastructure, ensuring that the region remains powered and economically viable. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the Gallatin power station exemplifies the complexities of maintaining energy reliability while navigating the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

Capacity
1,918.4 MW

1.92 GW

Commissioning Year
1968

58 years old

Owner
Tennessee Valley Authority
Location
36.3156°, -86.4006°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 36.315600, -86.400600
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.58 Mt
9243 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
439.59 Mt
Over 58 years of operation
Past Retirement
2008
18 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.6M
cars per year
1.0M
homes per year
344.5M
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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