The A B Brown is a key infrastructure asset in United States of America's power generation grid, located on the continent of North America. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 706.8 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing coal energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize oil as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Southern Indiana Gas & Elec Co, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1985, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within United States of America, A B Brown occupies the #145 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 706.8 MW capacity represents a 0.27% share of United States of America's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 261,840 MW. The largest operational coal installation in United States of America is the W A Parish with an output of 4,008 MW, making the A B Brown approximately 5.7 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0510% of United States of America's aggregate generation capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of coal power plants (modeled at 55% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 3,405,362 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in United States of America consumes 11 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 309,578 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 37.9053° latitude and -87.7150° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Warrick (coal-fired, 822.8 MW), the R D Green (coal-fired, 586 MW), the F B Culley (coal-fired, 368.9 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of United States of America.
41 years old
United States of America, North America
Location
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 Plant Database
A B Brown Power Plant: An Overview of Its Role and Impact
The A B Brown Power Plant, located in the United States and owned by Southern Indiana Gas & Electric Company, plays a significant role in the country's energy sector. Commissioned in 1985, this coal-fired power plant has an impressive generation capacity of 706.8 megawatts (MW). It contributes to the regional energy supply, providing electricity to a substantial number of homes and businesses in Southern Indiana and beyond. As part of a broader energy portfolio, the A B Brown facility helps meet the electricity demands of its service area, particularly during peak usage times when energy consumption typically surges.
Coal remains the primary fuel source for the A B Brown Power Plant. Coal-fired power generation has been a cornerstone of the U.S. energy infrastructure for decades, offering a reliable and relatively inexpensive source of energy. However, the use of coal also comes with technical and environmental considerations. Coal is a fossil fuel that is abundant and can generate significant amounts of electricity. The combustion of coal for power generation releases energy in the form of heat, which is then used to produce steam that drives turbines connected to electricity generators. Despite its advantages in terms of energy reliability, coal combustion emits greenhouse gases and other pollutants, raising concerns about air quality and climate change.
The environmental impact of the A B Brown Power Plant is a critical aspect of its operation. The facility must adhere to stringent regulations set forth by environmental agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to minimize emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Over the years, advancements in technology have enabled the plant to implement measures such as scrubbers and other emission control systems to reduce its environmental footprint. Nevertheless, the plant remains a source of carbon emissions, contributing to ongoing debates about the sustainability of coal as an energy source in the face of climate change.
Regionally, the A B Brown Power Plant is significant not only for its contribution to local electricity generation but also for its role in supporting the economy. The plant provides jobs to local residents and stimulates related industries, such as coal mining and transportation. Furthermore, it plays a part in stabilizing energy prices in the region, offering a consistent supply of electricity that can be relied upon during fluctuations in demand.
As the United States transitions toward a more diverse energy mix, including renewables such as wind and solar, the A B Brown Power Plant exemplifies the ongoing challenges and opportunities in balancing energy needs, environmental stewardship, and economic growth. Its continued operation and the strategies employed to address environmental concerns will be critical in shaping the future of energy in the region and the nation at large.
United States of America — Energy Profile
Nearby Power Plants
Understanding Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source
Coal has long been a cornerstone of electricity generation worldwide, with a significant presence in the global energy landscape. As of recent data, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants operating across 74 countries, boasting a total installed capacity of 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading nations in coal power generation include China, with 1,018 plants generating 1,038.0 GW, India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants producing 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, with 130 plants and 76.8 GW, and 61 plants and 63.9 GW, respectively. This widespread utilization reflects the essential role coal has played in the development of industrial and residential power systems globally.
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