World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Martin Lake2,379.6 MW Coal

Coal

The Martin Lake Power Plant is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in the United States of America, specifically at coordinates 32.2606° N latitude and 94.5706° W longitude. With a remarkable capacity of 2,379.6 MW, this power plant plays a crucial role in the national energy mix by providing a substantial amount of electricity to the local grid and contributing to the overall energy needs of the region. Operated by Luminant Generation Company LLC, Martin Lake was commissioned in 1977 and has since been a vital source of power generation in Texas and surrounding areas. The primary fuel used at Martin Lake is coal, known for its ability to provide stable and reliable baseload power. In addition to coal, the plant also utilises oil as a secondary fuel, allowing for operational flexibility, particularly during peak demand periods or when coal supply might be affected. The technology employed at Martin Lake is based on conventional coal-fired generation, which typically involves pulverised coal combustion to produce steam that drives turbines for electricity generation. This technology has been a cornerstone in energy production, although it faces increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns and the push for cleaner energy alternatives. The plant's location in Texas is strategically important as the state is one of the largest consumers of electricity in the U.S. and has a diverse energy portfolio. Texas has also been at the forefront of energy policy reform, encouraging the integration of renewable energy sources alongside traditional fossil fuels. Martin Lake serves as a reliable source of power that complements the growing share of renewable energy in the state, particularly in wind generation. As the region continues to evolve its energy landscape, the role of coal-fired plants like Martin Lake remains essential in ensuring grid stability and meeting energy demands. Overall, Martin Lake Power Plant exemplifies the complexities of transitioning toward a more sustainable energy future while still relying on significant fossil fuel resources.

Capacity
2,379.6 MW

2.38 GW

Commissioning Year
1977

49 years old

Owner
Luminant Generation Company LLC
Location
32.2606°, -94.5706°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 32.260600, -94.570600
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
9.40 Mt
11465 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
460.66 Mt
Over 49 years of operation
Past Retirement
2017
9 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
2.0M
cars per year
1.3M
homes per year
427.3M
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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