World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Hunter1,577.2 MW Coal

Coal

The Hunter power plant, located in the United States of America, serves as a significant player in the national energy generation landscape, particularly in the coal sector. Operated by PacifiCorp, this facility was commissioned in 1980 and boasts an impressive capacity of 1577.2 MW, making it one of the larger coal-fired power plants in the country. Positioned at coordinates 39.1747 latitude and -111.0289 longitude, Hunter is strategically located to contribute to the local grid while supporting the broader energy needs of the region. The primary fuel source for this power generation facility is coal, supplemented by oil as a secondary fuel. This dual-fuel capability ensures a reliable energy supply, especially during peak demand periods or when coal supply may be interrupted. The technology employed at Hunter includes traditional coal-fired generation, which involves burning pulverised coal to produce steam that drives turbines for electricity generation. This method remains prevalent in many older plants despite the increasing focus on renewable energy sources across the United States. The energy produced by Hunter plays a crucial role in the energy mix of the Western U.S., where coal continues to provide a substantial portion of electricity, although its share has been declining due to environmental regulations and the rise of natural gas and renewables. The Hunter plant not only supports local energy needs but also aligns with energy policies that aim to balance traditional fossil fuel use with the transition to cleaner energy sources. As coal plants face increasing scrutiny, Hunter's operational context reflects the ongoing challenges of maintaining energy reliability while addressing environmental impacts. Overall, the Hunter power plant is a key asset within PacifiCorp’s portfolio, contributing significantly to energy generation in its region and helping to stabilise the grid during fluctuating demand.

Capacity
1,577.2 MW

1.58 GW

Commissioning Year
1980

46 years old

Owner
PacifiCorp
Location
39.1747°, -111.0289°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 39.174700, -111.028900
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
6.23 Mt
7599 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
286.63 Mt
Over 46 years of operation
Past Retirement
2020
6 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.4M
cars per year
830.8K
homes per year
283.2M
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.

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power station data accurate and up-to-date.