World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Scherer3,564 MW Coal

Coal

The Scherer power plant, located in the United States, is a major coal-fired facility with a generation capacity of 3564 MW. Owned and operated by Georgia Power Co, the plant has been a crucial part of the energy generation landscape since its commissioning in 1985. Situated at coordinates 33.0606, -83.8075, Scherer plays a vital role in powering the southeastern United States, contributing to the regional energy mix and providing a stable supply of electricity to millions of consumers. The plant utilises subcritical combustion technology to convert coal into electricity, a process that, while effective, is increasingly scrutinised due to environmental concerns. Despite the ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources, Scherer remains a significant player in the coal sector, supplying a substantial portion of the energy demand in Georgia. Moreover, the facility has adapted to changing energy policies that favour renewable and low-carbon technologies, which has prompted discussions about future investments in cleaner alternatives. As the U.S. energy landscape evolves, the Scherer power plant continues to be a focal point for energy generation, reflecting the complexities and challenges of balancing energy needs with environmental responsibilities.

Capacity
3,564 MW

3.56 GW

Commissioning Year
1985

41 years old

Owner
Georgia Power Co
Location
33.0606°, -83.8075°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 33.060600, -83.807500
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
14.08 Mt
17171 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
577.30 Mt
Over 41 years of operation
Past Retirement
2025
1 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
3.1M
cars per year
1.9M
homes per year
640.0M
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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