E D Edwards is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in the United States, contributing to the energy needs of Illinois. This plant, commissioned in 1970, has a capacity of 644.3 MW and is operated by Illinois Power Resources Generating LLC. The facility is positioned at coordinates 40.5958 latitude and -89.6631 longitude, strategically located to serve the local grid and support the energy demands of the surrounding communities. As a coal-based plant, E D Edwards plays a vital role in providing baseload power generation, which is crucial for maintaining a stable electricity supply. The operational context of this facility reflects the ongoing challenges faced by coal plants in the current energy landscape, where there is a growing emphasis on transitioning to cleaner energy sources. While the primary fuel type is coal, the plant also utilizes oil as a secondary fuel, allowing for increased operational flexibility and responsiveness to market demands. This dual-fuel capability is particularly significant in the context of fluctuating energy prices and regulatory pressures aimed at reducing carbon emissions. E D Edwards has been an integral part of the regional energy mix for decades, ensuring reliability and supporting economic growth in Illinois. As the energy policies in the United States evolve, E D Edwards continues to be a key player in the local grid, balancing the need for reliable electricity generation with the imperative to reduce environmental impact, thus illustrating the complex dynamics of energy production in an era of change.
56 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 E D Edwards Power Plant, located in the United States, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a total capacity of 644.3 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1970, it is owned and operated by Illinois Power Resources Generating LLC. The plant plays an essential role in the regional and national energy landscape, contributing to the electricity supply while also highlighting the ongoing challenges associated with coal as a fuel source in the context of environmental concerns.
As a coal-fired power plant, the E D Edwards facility utilizes coal as its primary fuel source for electricity generation. Coal is a fossil fuel that has been a cornerstone of energy production in the United States for decades, providing a reliable and cost-effective means of generating electricity. However, coal combustion releases various pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have significant implications for air quality and climate change. The power plant, like many of its peers, has faced scrutiny over the years due to its environmental impact, particularly in light of the growing emphasis on cleaner energy sources and the transition to renewable energy.
The E D Edwards Power Plant is strategically located in Illinois, a state that has historically relied on coal for a substantial portion of its energy needs. The facility not only supports the local economy by providing jobs and contributing to the energy grid but also underscores the state's transitional challenges as it moves towards reducing carbon emissions and increasing the adoption of renewable energy technologies. The plant's operations are closely monitored to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and it has undergone various upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
In the broader context of the United States' energy sector, the E D Edwards Power Plant exemplifies the legacy of coal power while also reflecting the shifting dynamics of electricity generation. As the country strives to balance the need for energy reliability with environmental sustainability, coal-fired plants like E D Edwards are at the center of ongoing debates regarding energy policy, economic viability, and technological innovation.
Overall, the E D Edwards Power Plant stands as a key player in the regional energy landscape, providing substantial power generation capacity while facing the dual challenges of meeting energy demands and adapting to a rapidly changing environmental regulatory framework. Its legacy continues to shape discussions on energy production, environmental stewardship, and the future direction of the energy sector in the United States.
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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