World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Powerton1,785.6 MW Coal

Coal

Located in the United States, the Powerton power plant is a significant coal and gas-fired facility that plays a critical role in energy generation for the region. With a combined capacity of 1785.6 MW, Powerton has been a vital contributor to the national grid since its commissioning in 1973. Situated at coordinates 40.5408, -89.6786, this facility utilises a combination of coal-fired generation alongside gas as a secondary fuel, reflecting a strategic approach to energy production that maximises efficiency and reliability. The use of traditional coal technology at Powerton highlights the plant's historical significance in the U.S. energy landscape, which has long relied on coal as a primary energy source. However, as the country shifts toward renewable energy and cleaner alternatives, the operational context of Powerton is evolving. The operator, Midwest Generations EME LLC, is adapting to the changing energy policy landscape, which increasingly favours lower emissions and sustainable practices. Despite these shifts, Powerton remains an essential part of the local energy infrastructure, providing stability and capacity to meet the demands of both residential and commercial consumers. The facility's dual-fuel capability further enhances its importance, ensuring that it can adapt to fluctuations in energy demand and supply.

Capacity
1,785.6 MW

1.79 GW

Commissioning Year
1973

53 years old

Owner
Midwest Generations EME LLC
Location
40.5408°, -89.6786°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 40.540800, -89.678600
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.05 Mt
8603 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
373.89 Mt
Over 53 years of operation
Past Retirement
2013
13 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.5M
cars per year
940.6K
homes per year
320.7M
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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