World Power Plants

LUCY 3 ranks as the 89th largest power generation facility in France, contributing a capacity of 245 MW to the national grid. This facility is notable not only for its size but also for its position as the 8th largest coal plant among just 9 operational coal facilities in the country. As France prioritizes nuclear energy, which dominates the national capacity of 243,444 MW across 2,195 plants, LUCY 3 plays a unique role, providing approximately 0.10% of the country's total energy output. Utilizing coal as its primary fuel source, LUCY 3 employs traditional combustion technology to generate electricity. This method, while effective, contrasts sharply with the increasing push toward renewable energy sources in France. The surrounding energy landscape is diverse, featuring nearby plants such as Château-Chinon (6.26 MW hydro), Digoin (2.35 MW solar), and various biomass facilities, including Granges and Chagny, which contribute 1.897 MW and 1.165 MW, respectively. These plants illustrate a broader trend in the region toward an energy mix that combines traditional and renewable sources, although coal generation remains a smaller fragment. In the context of France's energy profile, which is characterized by a robust reliance on nuclear power, LUCY 3's contribution is vital for maintaining energy diversity and ensuring stable power supply. Given that coal plays a diminishing role in the national energy strategy, the plant's operational capacity is particularly significant in the transitional phase towards more sustainable energy practices. Operated by a consortium of energy stakeholders, LUCY 3 has been part of France's energy landscape for some time. Its existence underscores the country’s ongoing balance between older fossil fuel technologies and the push for cleaner energy alternatives. As the global energy landscape evolves, LUCY 3's future will be shaped by France's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to greener energy sources. This shift not only impacts LUCY 3's operational strategies but also reflects the broader changes within the French energy sector, aiming for a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Capacity
245 MW
Commissioning Year
2013

13 years old

Owner
EDF Energy
Location
46.6670°, 4.3510°

France, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 86. largest of 2,195 plants in France
  • #6,764 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,022 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.13% of the installed capacity of France
Age & fleet comparison

13 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

EDF Energy operates 15 plants totalling 12,629 MW

Regional density

39 plants within 100 km, 427 MW combined

Nearest plant: Granges (31.5 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 46.667000, 4.351000
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
967.9 Kt
1180 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
12.58 Mt
Over 13 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2053
27 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
210.4K
cars per year
129.1K
homes per year
44.0M
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
France
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

FranceEnergy Profile

2,195
Total Plants
192.2 GW
Total Capacity
NuclearHydroWindCoal
Top Fuels

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