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Limestone1,849.8 MW Coal

Coal

The Limestone power generation facility is a significant coal-fired power plant located in the United States, specifically at coordinates 31.4219° N latitude and -96.2525° W longitude. With a capacity of 1849.8 MW, this plant represents a considerable investment in coal technology, playing a vital role in Texas's energy landscape. Operated by NRG Texas Power LLC and commissioned in 1986, the Limestone facility is notable for its use of coal as the primary fuel, along with petcoke and gas as secondary and tertiary fuels, respectively. This multi-fuel capability enhances the plant’s operational flexibility, allowing it to respond effectively to market demands and grid requirements. The Limestone power station is crucial for ensuring a stable energy supply in a state renowned for its vast energy needs and diverse generation portfolio. As Texas continues to address energy policy challenges, including renewable integration and emissions reduction, the Limestone facility underscores the ongoing reliance on coal within the broader context of the state's energy strategy, all while contributing significantly to both local and regional electricity needs.

Capacity
1,849.8 MW

1.85 GW

Commissioning Year
1986

40 years old

Owner
NRG Texas Power LLC
Location
31.4219°, -96.2525°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 31.421900, -96.252500
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.31 Mt
8912 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
292.32 Mt
Over 40 years of operation
Closing Soon
2026
Expected to retire this year
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.6M
cars per year
974.4K
homes per year
332.2M
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.

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