World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Ghent2,225.9 MW Coal

Coal

The Ghent power plant, located in the United States, is a coal-fired generation facility that plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to the region. With a capacity of approximately 2226 MW, this power plant has been operational since 1978 and has been a cornerstone of the local energy infrastructure. It is owned and operated by Kentucky Utilities Co, which is committed to providing reliable energy to its customers. The geographical coordinates of the Ghent power plant are 38.7497, -85.0350, placing it strategically to serve the energy needs of Kentucky and surrounding areas. The significance of this facility is underscored by its contribution to the state's energy mix, where coal remains a dominant fuel source despite the increasing penetration of renewable energy technologies. The operational context of Ghent reflects the evolving energy policies in the United States, where there is a growing focus on transitioning to cleaner sources of energy. However, the plant's substantial capacity ensures that it continues to play a vital role in energy generation, particularly during peak demand periods. The use of coal as a primary fuel type highlights the ongoing debate regarding energy security, environmental impact, and the future of fossil fuels in the energy landscape of the United States.

Capacity
2,225.9 MW

2.23 GW

Commissioning Year
1978

48 years old

Owner
Kentucky Utilities Co
Location
38.7497°, -85.0350°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 38.749700, -85.035000
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
8.79 Mt
10724 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
422.11 Mt
Over 48 years of operation
Past Retirement
2018
8 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.9M
cars per year
1.2M
homes per year
399.7M
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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