World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

H L Spurlock1,608.5 MW Coal

Coal

The H L Spurlock power plant, located in the United States of America at coordinates 38.7000, -83.8181, plays a significant role in the energy generation landscape of the region. This coal-fired power generation facility boasts an impressive capacity of 1608.5 MW, making it a substantial contributor to the local grid operated by East Kentucky Power Cooperative Inc. Since its commissioning in 1990, H L Spurlock has been integral in providing reliable electricity to meet the demands of its service area, particularly in Eastern Kentucky. The plant utilises advanced coal technology, reflecting the energy policies of the early 1990s, which emphasised coal as a primary source of energy. As coal remains a dominant fuel type in the United States, the H L Spurlock plant showcases the ongoing reliance on traditional energy sources amidst the evolving energy policies that increasingly advocate for cleaner alternatives. The region benefits from this facility's substantial output, which supports both residential and commercial energy needs. Furthermore, as the U.S. transitions towards a more diverse energy mix, H L Spurlock continues to be a key player in stabilising the local energy grid, especially during peak demand periods.

Capacity
1,608.5 MW

1.61 GW

Commissioning Year
1990

36 years old

Owner
East Kentucky Power Coop Inc
Location
38.7000°, -83.8181°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 38.700000, -83.818100
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
6.35 Mt
7750 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
228.77 Mt
Over 36 years of operation
Closing Soon
2030
4 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.4M
cars per year
847.3K
homes per year
288.9M
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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