World Power Plants

The Burlington power plant, located in the United States of America, plays a significant role in the energy generation landscape of the region. As a coal-fired power generation facility, it has a substantial capacity of approximately 290.8 MW. Owned and operated by Interstate Power and Light Co, this power plant has been part of the energy infrastructure since its commissioning in 1975. Burlington's reliance on coal as its primary fuel type is a reflection of the historical energy policies in the U.S., which have emphasized coal for its relatively low-cost energy generation capabilities. However, the plant is also equipped with gas as a secondary fuel source, providing operational flexibility and reliability during peak demand periods. Situated at coordinates 40.7412 latitude and -91.1167 longitude, the Burlington power plant is strategically located to serve the local grid, contributing to the energy needs of the surrounding communities in Iowa. The importance of this facility is underscored by its ability to provide a stable power supply, particularly in a region where energy demand can fluctuate significantly. In recent years, as part of a broader shift towards cleaner energy sources, the United States has seen discussions around reducing coal dependency, but facilities like Burlington remain crucial in the transitional phase of the energy sector. The operational context of Burlington is also influenced by state and federal energy policies that aim to balance energy reliability with environmental considerations. Overall, the Burlington power plant represents a critical component of Iowa's energy mix, ensuring that local demands are met while navigating the complex landscape of modern energy generation.

Capacity
290.8 MW
Commissioning Year
1975

51 years old

Owner
Interstate Power and Light Co
Location
40.7412°, -91.1167°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,162. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #6,242 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,907 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.02% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

51 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

Interstate Power and Light Co operates 13 plants totalling 3,866 MW

Regional density

20 plants within 100 km, 1,879 MW combined

Nearest plant: NLMU Wind (33.3 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 40.741200, -91.116700
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
1.15 Mt
1401 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
58.59 Mt
Over 51 years of operation
Past Retirement
2015
11 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
249.8K
cars per year
153.2K
homes per year
52.2M
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 Plant Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

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

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