World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Prairie State Generating Station1,766 MW Coal

Coal

Prairie State Generating Station is a coal-fired power plant located in the United States, with a substantial generation capacity of 1,766 MW. Commissioned in 2012, this facility has quickly established itself as a key player in the energy landscape of the region. Situated at coordinates 38.2792, -89.6669, Prairie State is strategically positioned to support the energy needs of the Midwestern states, providing reliable electricity to a diverse consumer base, including residential and industrial users. Operated by Prairie State Generating Co LLC, the plant employs advanced coal technology, which enables it to produce electricity more efficiently while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. The significance of Prairie State Generating Station extends beyond its operational capacity; it is also integral to the local grid, contributing to energy stability in an area that is experiencing fluctuating energy demands. As the U.S. moves towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, coal plants like Prairie State face scrutiny, yet they remain vital for energy generation in the short term. The facility exemplifies the challenges facing the coal industry amid a broader push for renewable energy, highlighting its role in bridging the gap between current energy needs and future sustainability objectives.

Capacity
1,766 MW

1.77 GW

Commissioning Year
2012

14 years old

Owner
Prairie State Generating Co LLC
Location
38.2792°, -89.6669°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 38.279200, -89.666900
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
6.98 Mt
8509 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
97.68 Mt
Over 14 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2052
26 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.5M
cars per year
930.3K
homes per year
317.1M
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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