World Power Plants

Columbus MS, a key player in the renewable energy sector, stands as the fourth largest biomass facility out of 156 in the United States, with a capacity of 128.6 MW. This positions it at #1826 among 10,047 total power plants across the nation. Commissioned in 1986, this facility, operated by International Paper Columbus Mill, efficiently converts biomass and waste into energy, showcasing a sustainable approach to power generation. The technology employed here not only emphasizes the importance of renewable resources but also highlights the facility's role in waste management by utilizing byproducts from the paper manufacturing process. Located in a region where natural gas is the dominant fuel, Columbus MS provides an essential alternative energy source that contributes positively to energy diversification and environmental sustainability. Nearby, the Caledonia plant, a gas facility with a capacity of 801 MW, underscores the contrast between fossil fuel and renewable energy sources within the local energy mix. This juxtaposition illustrates the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy options as demand for sustainable solutions grows. Columbus MS contributes to a significant share of the local and national energy landscape, reinforcing the potential of biomass as a reliable energy source. By leveraging local resources effectively, the facility not only helps in reducing carbon emissions but also supports the local economy through job creation and energy independence. As the country continues to embrace renewable energy, Columbus MS stands as a model for integrating biomass technologies into the broader energy framework, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Capacity
128.6 MW
Commissioning Year
1986

40 years old

Owner
International Paper Columbus Mill
Location
33.3602°, -88.4600°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,877. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #9,046 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #44 of 1,487 Biomass plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

40 years in operation

Biomass fleet average: 20.5 years

Operator portfolio

International Paper Columbus Mill operates 1 plants totalling 129 MW

Regional density

12 plants within 100 km, 4,355 MW combined

Nearest plant: Caledonia (36.3 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 33.360200, -88.460000
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Carbon Footprint230 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
168.4 Kt
732 GWh/year × 230 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
6.74 Mt
Over 40 years of operation
Annual emissions equivalent to
36.6K
cars per year
22.5K
homes per year
7.7M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Biomass emission factor (230 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (65%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Biomass
Energy Source
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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