World Power Plants

Coyote power plant is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in North Dakota, USA, contributing to the region's energy supply with a capacity of 450 MW. Operated by Otter Tail Power Co and commissioned in 1981, this power plant plays an essential role in providing stable and reliable electricity to the local grid. The facility utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, employing traditional combustion technology to convert the energy stored in coal into electricity. Situated at coordinates 47.2214 latitude and -101.8157 longitude, Coyote power plant is strategically placed to serve the energy needs of North Dakota and surrounding areas, where coal has historically been a primary energy source. While the plant has been an integral part of the energy landscape for decades, it also faces challenges due to increasing regulatory pressures and the national shift towards cleaner energy sources. In this context, the Coyote power plant represents a transitional energy asset, balancing the need for reliable power generation with the evolving energy policies that prioritize sustainability and emissions reductions. Its operational history highlights the complexities of energy generation in a changing policy landscape, reflecting both the current and future energy needs of the United States.

Capacity
450 MW
Commissioning Year
1981

45 years old

Owner
Otter Tail Power Co
Location
47.2214°, -101.8157°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 936. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #4,922 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,637 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.03% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

45 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

Otter Tail Power Co operates 10 plants totalling 1,295 MW

Regional density

25 plants within 100 km, 7,054 MW combined

Nearest plant: Antelope Valley (16.6 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 47.221400, -101.815700
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
1.78 Mt
2168 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
80.00 Mt
Over 45 years of operation
Past Retirement
2021
5 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
386.5K
cars per year
237.0K
homes per year
80.8M
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

Coyote Power Plant: An Overview of Its Role and Impact

The Coyote Power Plant, located in the United States, is a coal-fired facility with a generation capacity of 450 megawatts (MW). Owned by Otter Tail Power Company, it was commissioned in 1981 and has since played a significant role in the energy landscape of the region. As a coal-fired power plant, Coyote contributes to the electricity supply in a country that has historically relied heavily on coal as a primary energy source. The plant's operation is crucial for meeting the energy demands of its service area, providing reliable power to homes and businesses while supporting the local economy.

Coal, the fuel type utilized by the Coyote Power Plant, is known for its abundant availability and cost-effectiveness compared to other fossil fuels. It is primarily composed of carbon, along with various other elements, which allows for significant energy density. However, the combustion of coal produces greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), and other pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These emissions raise concerns regarding air quality and climate change, leading to ongoing debates about the sustainability of coal as an energy source. In response to these environmental challenges, many coal plants, including Coyote, have implemented various technologies aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency.

The Coyote Power Plant is strategically located to serve the energy needs of the surrounding communities and industries, providing a stable and continuous supply of electricity. Its significance extends beyond just power generation; it plays a vital role in local job creation and economic stability. The plant employs a considerable workforce, contributing to the local economy, and it supports various ancillary industries such as coal mining and transportation, which are integral to its operations.

In recent years, the energy sector in the United States has experienced a transition towards renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, prompted by the need to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Despite this shift, coal remains a critical part of the energy mix, particularly in regions where other energy sources may be less viable due to geographic or economic factors. The Coyote Power Plant exemplifies the challenges and opportunities faced by traditional coal plants in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

In summary, the Coyote Power Plant stands as a significant contributor to the energy sector in the USA, particularly in the context of coal-fired power generation. While it plays an essential role in ensuring energy reliability and supporting the local economy, it also faces scrutiny regarding its environmental impact. As the country continues to evolve towards cleaner energy solutions, the future of coal plants like Coyote will depend on advancements in technology and regulatory policies aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices.

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

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

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