World Power Plants

The Cooper power plant, located in the United States of America, plays a crucial role in energy generation within the region. With a significant capacity of 344 MW, this coal-fired facility primarily utilizes coal as its main fuel source, supplemented by waste materials, showcasing a commitment to energy diversification and sustainability. Commissioned in 1967, Cooper has been a reliable contributor to the East Kentucky Power Cooperative's energy output, fulfilling a vital role in meeting the electricity demands of its service area. Situated at coordinates 36.9981° N latitude and 84.5919° W longitude, the plant's location in Kentucky positions it strategically to serve both local and regional power grids. The use of coal as a fuel type aligns with the historical energy landscape of the United States, where coal has been a dominant source of electricity for many decades. However, as the energy landscape evolves, there is an increasing emphasis on transitioning to cleaner technologies. Despite this shift, Cooper's operational capacity remains significant, ensuring a steady supply of electricity for the surrounding communities. The plant is operated by East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which is dedicated to providing reliable and affordable energy to its members. In the context of national energy policy, the Cooper plant must navigate the challenges posed by regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions while maintaining energy security and affordability. As a result, the integration of waste as a secondary fuel reflects an innovative approach to energy generation, allowing the facility to contribute to waste reduction efforts while still providing essential power. Overall, the Cooper power plant exemplifies the complexities of energy generation in the modern era, balancing traditional coal reliance with emerging sustainability practices.

Capacity
344 MW
Commissioning Year
1967

59 years old

Owner
East Kentucky Power Coop Inc
Location
36.9981°, -84.5919°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,062. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #5,707 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,797 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.02% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

59 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

East Kentucky Power Coop Inc operates 11 plants totalling 3,658 MW

Regional density

11 plants within 100 km, 2,048 MW combined

Nearest plant: Laurel Dam (28.9 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 36.998100, -84.591900
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
1.36 Mt
1657 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
80.18 Mt
Over 59 years of operation
Past Retirement
2007
19 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
295.4K
cars per year
181.2K
homes per year
61.8M
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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