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John E Amos2,932.6 MW Coal

Coal

Located in the United States, the John E Amos power plant is a prominent coal-fired facility that contributes significantly to the energy generation landscape of West Virginia. With a capacity of 2,932.6 MW, this power plant, owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, plays a vital role in providing electricity to millions of residents and businesses in the region. The plant utilises traditional coal combustion technology, a method that has been a cornerstone of energy production in the United States since the mid-20th century. Commissioned in 1972, the John E Amos power plant has been a reliable source of baseload power, particularly in the Appalachian region, where coal has historically been a major energy source. Situated at coordinates 38.4731, -81.8233, the facility is strategically located near abundant coal reserves, which ensures a consistent supply of fuel for energy generation. The operational context of the plant is noteworthy, as it must navigate the evolving landscape of energy policy in the United States, which increasingly emphasises cleaner energy solutions and emissions reductions. Despite these challenges, the John E Amos power plant remains a significant contributor to the local grid, playing a crucial role in ensuring energy reliability and affordability for its consumers while also adapting to regulatory changes aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of coal-based generation.

Capacity
2,932.6 MW

2.93 GW

Commissioning Year
1972

54 years old

Owner
Appalachian Power Co
Location
38.4731°, -81.8233°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 38.473100, -81.823300
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
11.59 Mt
14129 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
625.64 Mt
Over 54 years of operation
Past Retirement
2012
14 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
2.5M
cars per year
1.5M
homes per year
526.6M
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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