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Morgantown Generating Plant1,548 MW Coal

Coal

The Morgantown Generating Plant is a significant player in the energy landscape of the United States, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. As a coal-fired power generation facility with a robust capacity of 1548 MW, it plays a vital role in meeting the energy demands of the local grid. Owned and operated by GenOn Mid-Atlantic LLC, this power plant has been operational since 1970, contributing to the national energy mix while utilising coal as its primary fuel source, alongside oil as a secondary fuel. The Morgantown plant employs traditional coal combustion technology, which enables it to convert thermal energy into electrical energy efficiently. Located at coordinates 38.3592, -76.9767, the plant is strategically positioned to serve the electricity needs of surrounding communities, bolstering the reliability of the energy supply in the area. The facility's considerable output is crucial for both local consumers and the broader regional grid, especially during peak demand periods when energy consumption is at its highest. The plant's existence is also contextualised within the current energy policies in the United States, which are increasingly focusing on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. However, coal remains a significant part of the energy generation mix in many states, including those in the Mid-Atlantic, where the Morgantown Generating Plant continues to play a prominent role. Its operational capacity allows it to provide substantial energy generation, ensuring that electricity is available to meet the needs of millions of households and businesses alike.

Capacity
1,548 MW

1.55 GW

Commissioning Year
1970

56 years old

Owner
GenOn Mid-Atlantic LLC
Location
38.3592°, -76.9767°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 38.359200, -76.976700
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
6.12 Mt
7458 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
342.48 Mt
Over 56 years of operation
Past Retirement
2010
16 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.3M
cars per year
815.4K
homes per year
278.0M
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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