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Wansley1,956.8 MW Coal

Coal

Wansley is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in the United States, with a capacity of 1956.8 MW. Operated by Georgia Power Co, this power plant has been an integral part of the energy mix in Georgia since its commissioning in 1977. The facility also has a secondary fuel source of oil, allowing for operational flexibility and reliability. Positioned at coordinates 33.4134° N and -85.0323° W, Wansley serves a critical role in the local electricity grid, ensuring that the surrounding communities have a steady supply of power. The use of coal technology at Wansley reflects the historical reliance on fossil fuels in the U.S. energy landscape, although there is an increasing focus on transitioning to renewable sources. The operational context of Wansley demonstrates its importance not only in meeting current energy demands but also in providing a buffer for renewable energy integration. As Georgia moves towards a more diversified energy portfolio, Wansley remains essential in supporting the baseline power needs of the region. The plant's ability to switch to oil when necessary further enhances its reliability as a power generation facility. Thus, Wansley stands as a critical asset in Georgia’s energy infrastructure, balancing the need for stable electricity supply with the ongoing energy transition.

Capacity
1,956.8 MW

1.96 GW

Commissioning Year
1977

49 years old

Owner
Georgia Power Co
Location
33.4134°, -85.0323°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 33.413400, -85.032300
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.73 Mt
9428 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
378.81 Mt
Over 49 years of operation
Past Retirement
2017
9 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.7M
cars per year
1.0M
homes per year
351.4M
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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