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Sherburne County2,469.3 MW Coal

Coal

Sherburne County, located at coordinates 45.3808° N, 93.8931° W in the United States, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 2469.3 MW. Owned and operated by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota, this power plant has been an integral part of Minnesota's energy mix since its commissioning in 1980. As one of the largest coal plants in the region, Sherburne County plays a vital role in supplying reliable electricity to the local grid, particularly during peak demand periods. The facility primarily uses subcritical coal combustion technology, which is designed to optimise fuel efficiency while generating electricity. Alongside its primary fuel source of coal, the plant has the capacity to utilise oil as a secondary fuel, providing operational flexibility. The Sherburne County power plant is situated in an area that is strategically important for energy distribution, serving not only Minnesota but also contributing to the wider Midwestern energy landscape. Despite the ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources, Sherburne County remains a key player in the regional energy supply, reflecting the balance between traditional and renewable energy practices in the U.S. energy policy framework. As the country advances towards sustainability, facilities like Sherburne County highlight the challenges and complexities of energy generation that must be navigated in the pursuit of a cleaner future.

Capacity
2,469.3 MW

2.47 GW

Commissioning Year
1980

46 years old

Owner
Northern States Power Co - Minnesota
Location
45.3808°, -93.8931°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 45.380800, -93.893100
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
9.76 Mt
11897 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
448.76 Mt
Over 46 years of operation
Past Retirement
2020
6 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
2.1M
cars per year
1.3M
homes per year
443.4M
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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