United States of America

Covington Facility— 160.9 MW Waste

WasteVerified: Jul 2026

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The Covington Facility, ranked as the 1st largest waste power generation facility in the United States, holds a unique position in the nation's energy landscape. With a capacity of 160.9 MW, it contributes a notable yet modest 0.01% to the total national capacity of 1,386,385 MW. This facility is particularly significant as it stands out among 541 waste plants, showcasing the potential of waste-to-energy technologies in a country predominantly reliant on natural gas for its energy needs. Commissioned in 1996 and operated by WestRock Corp, the Covington Facility utilizes an innovative waste-to-energy process, converting municipal and industrial waste into electricity. This facility primarily employs waste as its fuel source, supplemented by coal and oil as secondary and tertiary fuels, respectively. The combination of these fuels allows the facility to effectively address waste management challenges while generating power, making it a critical asset for energy production and environmental sustainability in the region. Located in an area rich with hydroelectric resources, the Covington Facility is surrounded by several significant power generation facilities. Within a 50 km radius, the Bath County Pumped Storage Station and the Bath County Hydro Facility dominate the landscape, each boasting an impressive capacity of 2,862 MW. In contrast, the nearby Low Moor facility operates on oil and has a capacity of 82.8 MW. This proximity to large hydroelectric plants emphasizes the importance of a diverse energy mix in the region and allows for greater grid stability, particularly during peak demand periods. The national energy profile of the United States features a staggering number of 10,047 plants, with natural gas leading as the dominant fuel source. The Covington Facility's unique contribution through waste energy highlights an alternative approach to energy generation, demonstrating how waste management and energy production can intersect. With its 0.01% share of the national capacity, the facility plays a small but crucial role in diversifying the energy portfolio. As the world increasingly shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, the Covington Facility exemplifies the potential for waste-to-energy facilities to not only reduce landfill reliance but also contribute to the grid. This facility highlights the importance of innovation in energy production, suggesting a pathway for future developments in the waste-to-energy sector. With ongoing advancements and growing interest in sustainable practices, the Covington Facility may pave the way for increased investment in similar technologies across the nation.