World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

J H Campbell1,560.8 MW Coal

Coal

J H Campbell is a significant coal-fired power plant located in the United States, specifically in Michigan. With a capacity of 1560.8 MW, this facility plays a crucial role in the state’s energy generation portfolio, primarily operated by Consumers Energy Co. The plant, commissioned in 1973, has been a cornerstone of Michigan's electricity supply for decades. Situated at coordinates 42.9103° N latitude and 86.2007° W longitude, J H Campbell is strategically positioned to serve the local grid, providing essential power to meet both residential and industrial demands. The use of coal as a fuel type highlights the plant's long-standing contribution to energy generation, although it is also indicative of the broader challenges facing coal in the current energy policy landscape. As states across the nation move towards cleaner energy alternatives, J H Campbell represents the legacy of coal-fired generation in Michigan. The technology employed at J H Campbell is subcritical, which has traditionally been the standard for coal plants, but newer plants are increasingly adopting supercritical technology to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. The plant's significant MW capacity underscores its importance, but it also places it at the forefront of discussions regarding the future of coal in energy generation, as regulatory pressures and market dynamics push for a transition towards more sustainable options.

Capacity
1,560.8 MW

1.56 GW

Commissioning Year
1973

53 years old

Owner
Consumers Energy Co
Location
42.9103°, -86.2007°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 42.910300, -86.200700
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
6.17 Mt
7520 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
326.82 Mt
Over 53 years of operation
Past Retirement
2013
13 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.3M
cars per year
822.2K
homes per year
280.3M
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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