The FirstEnergy Fort Martin Power Station is a key infrastructure asset in United States of America's power generation grid, located on the continent of North America. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 1152 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing coal energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize oil as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Monongahela Power Co, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1968, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within United States of America, FirstEnergy Fort Martin Power Station occupies the #97 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1152 MW capacity represents a 0.44% share of United States of America's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 261,840 MW. The largest operational coal installation in United States of America is the W A Parish with an output of 4,008 MW, making the FirstEnergy Fort Martin Power Station approximately 3.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0831% of United States of America's aggregate generation capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of coal power plants (modeled at 55% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 5,550,336 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in United States of America consumes 11 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 504,576 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 39.7108° latitude and -79.9275° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the FirstEnergy Harrison Power Station (coal-fired, 2052 MW), the Longview Power Plant (coal-fired, 807.5 MW), the Fayette Energy Facility (gas-fired, 644.1 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of United States of America.
1.15 GW
58 years old
United States of America, North America
Location
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
Overview of FirstEnergy Fort Martin Power Station
The FirstEnergy Fort Martin Power Station is a coal-fired power generation facility located in West Virginia, United States. Commissioned in 1968, this power plant boasts a substantial capacity of 1,152 megawatts (MW), making it a significant contributor to the energy landscape in the region and the country at large. Owned by Monongahela Power Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp, the Fort Martin Power Station plays a vital role in providing electricity to meet the demands of its surrounding communities and the broader grid.
As a coal-fired power plant, Fort Martin utilizes pulverized coal as its primary fuel source. This process involves grinding coal into a fine powder, which is then mixed with air and fed into a furnace where it is combusted to generate heat. The heat produced is used to convert water into steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, ultimately producing electrical energy. The facility's design and operational strategy enable it to efficiently generate a significant amount of power, catering to both peak and base load demands.
In the context of the United States' energy sector, coal has historically been a cornerstone of electricity generation, particularly in the mid-20th century. However, in recent years, there has been a notable shift towards more sustainable and renewable energy sources due to environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels. The combustion of coal releases various pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to air pollution and climate change. While Fort Martin has implemented measures to comply with environmental regulations, the reliance on coal as a fuel source continues to raise questions about its long-term viability and environmental footprint.
Regionally, the Fort Martin Power Station holds significant importance, as it not only contributes to the local economy by providing jobs and supporting related industries, but it also plays a critical role in ensuring energy reliability for West Virginia and neighboring states. The facility is interconnected with the larger power grid, allowing for the distribution of electricity across a wide area, thus enhancing energy security for millions of residents.
In conclusion, the FirstEnergy Fort Martin Power Station stands as a key player in the United States' energy sector. With a robust capacity and a long operational history, it underscores the complexities of balancing energy needs with environmental responsibilities. As the country continues to transition towards cleaner energy sources, the future of coal-fired power plants like Fort Martin will be closely examined in light of evolving energy policies and technological advancements.
United States of America — Energy Profile
Nearby Power Plants
Understanding Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source
Coal 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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