World Power Plants

Big Sandy power plant, located in the United States, is a key natural gas facility that has been operational since 1963 and boasts a capacity of 280.5 MW. This gas-fired power generation facility utilizes efficient combustion technology to convert natural gas into electricity, providing a reliable source of energy for the local grid. Situated at coordinates 38.1707, -82.6176, Big Sandy serves as an important energy provider in the region, supporting both residential and commercial electricity needs. The operational context of this power plant is particularly significant as it contributes to the energy mix of Kentucky, where natural gas plays an increasingly vital role in meeting energy demands while complementing renewable sources. As the United States continues to transition towards a cleaner energy future, facilities like Big Sandy are essential in providing the necessary reliability and flexibility to the power grid. The plant's long-standing presence in the energy sector underscores its importance to the local economy and energy strategy, ensuring that residents have access to consistent power while supporting broader sustainability goals.

Capacity
280.5 MW
Commissioning Year
1963

63 years old

Owner
Kentucky Power Co
Location
38.1707°, -82.6176°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,189. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #6,338 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,341 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 0.02% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

63 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

Kentucky Power Co operates 2 plants totalling 1,913 MW

Regional density

14 plants within 100 km, 10,253 MW combined

Nearest plant: Riverside Generating LLC (2.6 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 38.170700, -82.617600
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
541.8 Kt
1106 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
34.13 Mt
Over 63 years of operation
Past Retirement
1993
33 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
117.8K
cars per year
72.2K
homes per year
24.6M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Gas
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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