The Coronado power plant is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in the United States at coordinates 34.5789, -109.2708. With a capacity of 821.8 MW, this plant, commissioned in 1980 and operated by the Salt River Project, plays an important role in the regional energy landscape. As one of the key coal power plants in the area, Coronado provides essential base load energy, contributing to the stability of the local electricity grid and ensuring that energy demands are met for both residential and commercial consumers. The plant employs traditional coal technology, which has been a cornerstone of energy generation in the U.S. for decades. Although coal as a fuel source faces challenges due to environmental concerns and regulatory pressures, Coronado continues to operate efficiently, supplying reliable power to the surrounding regions. The facility's location is strategically advantageous, allowing it to connect effectively with regional transmission networks, reinforcing its significance in maintaining energy reliability. Given the evolving energy policies in the United States aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy sources, the Coronado power plant serves as an example of how older coal facilities are adapting to changing regulatory environments while still meeting critical energy needs. The ongoing transition towards a more sustainable energy grid will likely influence the operational strategies at Coronado, but its existing capacity remains vital for the local energy mix. Overall, the Coronado power plant is integral to the energy infrastructure of its region, balancing the demands of energy generation with the challenges of transitioning towards cleaner alternatives.
46 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Coal
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
The Coronado Power Plant, located in the United States, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 821.8 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1980, the plant is owned and operated by the Salt River Project (SRP), a prominent public power utility. As part of the energy landscape of the USA, Coronado plays a critical role in providing reliable electricity to meet the demands of its service area, particularly in the Southwestern region. Its substantial output contributes to the grid stability and energy security of the region, particularly in times of peak demand.
Coal, the primary fuel used at the Coronado Power Plant, is a fossil fuel that has been a cornerstone of electricity generation in the United States for decades. The combustion of coal in power plants like Coronado releases energy stored in the form of heat, which is used to generate steam that drives turbines to produce electricity. Despite its efficiency and relatively low cost, the use of coal as a fuel source raises environmental concerns due to the emissions associated with its combustion, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter. These emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change, prompting regulatory scrutiny and a shift towards cleaner energy sources in recent years.
The environmental impact of the Coronado Power Plant has been a topic of discussion, particularly in the context of national and regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The plant has implemented various emissions control technologies to mitigate its environmental footprint, including scrubbers and other systems designed to reduce sulfur dioxide and particulate emissions. Nevertheless, coal-fired plants like Coronado are often seen as less sustainable compared to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, which have gained traction in the energy sector as part of a broader transition to cleaner energy solutions.
Regionally, the Coronado Power Plant serves as an essential component of the energy infrastructure, particularly for the Salt River Project, which supplies electricity to over a million customers in Arizona. The plant's ability to provide a stable and continuous power supply is particularly crucial during the hot summer months when demand for electricity peaks due to air conditioning use. While the national energy landscape is increasingly moving towards renewable sources, coal-fired plants like Coronado continue to play a role in ensuring energy reliability and affordability in the interim.
In conclusion, the Coronado Power Plant stands as a pivotal establishment within the USA's energy sector. While it faces challenges related to environmental sustainability and regulatory pressures, its operational capacity and role in regional energy security remain significant as the country navigates the complex transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
United States of America — Energy ProfileCoal 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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