World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

W A Parish4,008.4 MW Coal

Coal

The W A Parish power plant, situated in the United States at coordinates 29.4828, -95.6311, is a large coal-fired facility with a notable capacity of 4008.4 MW. Operated by NRG Texas Power LLC, this plant represents a significant segment of the energy generation landscape in Texas, a state known for its substantial energy production capabilities. Utilising advanced coal technology, with the capability to also use gas as a secondary fuel, the W A Parish plant is designed for operational flexibility and efficiency. It contributes extensively to Texas's energy mix, which is characterised by a diverse array of generation sources including wind, solar, and natural gas. The plant's generation technology allows it to adapt to varying demand patterns, thus providing a crucial buffer for the local grid during peak periods. In the context of U.S. energy policy, which increasingly emphasises a transition towards cleaner energy solutions, the W A Parish power plant embodies the challenges and opportunities of integrating traditional coal power with evolving energy standards. Its operational significance to the local grid cannot be overstated, as it ensures the continued provision of reliable electricity to meet the needs of both consumers and industries in the region.

Capacity
4,008.4 MW

4.01 GW

Commissioning Year
1974

52 years old

Owner
NRG Texas Power LLC
Location
29.4828°, -95.6311°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 29.482800, -95.631100
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
15.84 Mt
19312 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
823.48 Mt
Over 52 years of operation
Past Retirement
2014
12 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
3.4M
cars per year
2.1M
homes per year
719.8M
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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