World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Walter Scott Jr Energy Center1,648.3 MW Coal

Coal

The Walter Scott Jr Energy Center, situated in the United States at coordinates 41.1800° N, -95.8408° W, stands as a prominent coal-fired power plant with a significant generation capacity of 1,648.3 MW. Owned and operated by MidAmerican Energy Co, this facility has been a cornerstone of energy generation since its commissioning in 1994. The plant employs advanced coal combustion technology, which is essential for optimising efficiency and adhering to regulatory standards. As part of the energy mix in the region, the Walter Scott Jr Energy Center plays a vital role in supplying power to meet the demands of the Midwestern United States, especially during peak consumption periods. The facility's capacity is instrumental in maintaining grid stability and providing reliable electricity to millions of households and businesses. Amidst a global shift towards renewable energy sources, the plant operates within a framework of energy policy that encourages the transition to cleaner alternatives while recognising the ongoing need for coal in the immediate energy landscape. This balance is crucial for ensuring energy security and supporting local economies reliant on established power generation technologies.

Capacity
1,648.3 MW

1.65 GW

Commissioning Year
1994

32 years old

Owner
MidAmerican Energy Co
Location
41.1800°, -95.8408°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 41.180000, -95.840800
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
6.51 Mt
7942 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
208.39 Mt
Over 32 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2034
8 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.4M
cars per year
868.3K
homes per year
296.0M
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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