World Power Plants

Marshalltown, with a capacity of 189 MW, is ranked 1467th among the 10,047 power generation facilities in the United States. This gas-fired power plant, operated by Interstate Power and Light Company since its commissioning in 1978, plays a notable role in the local energy landscape, contributing to the diverse energy mix that powers the region. As the 754th largest gas plant in the nation, Marshalltown exemplifies the continued reliance on natural gas, especially in a country where gas dominates the energy portfolio. The facility operates utilizing efficient gas turbine technology, which allows for rapid generation and flexibility in meeting peak demand. With the U.S. total capacity standing at approximately 1,386,385 MW, Marshalltown's contribution of 0.01% may seem small, yet it is part of a larger framework that supports grid stability and reliability. The importance of such plants cannot be overstated, particularly when they serve as a bridge towards a more renewable future. In close proximity to other significant power generation facilities, such as the Marshalltown Generating Station, which boasts a much larger capacity of 705.9 MW, and various wind farms like North English (340 MW) and Vienna Wind Farm (150.2 MW), Marshalltown finds itself within a dynamic energy cluster. This geographical advantage means that the plant can leverage shared resources and infrastructure, enhancing overall operational efficiency. The presence of both gas and wind plants in the vicinity showcases Iowa's commitment to a balanced energy strategy that incorporates both traditional and renewable sources. Iowa's energy profile reflects a strong inclination towards gas, which continues to play a dominant role in the state’s energy generation, despite the growing interest in renewables. Marshalltown’s operations align with the state’s energy policies, which emphasize reliability and affordability while gradually integrating more renewable sources into the mix. As the energy landscape evolves, the significance of Marshalltown extends beyond its immediate output. The plant not only supports local job creation and economic activity but also represents the ongoing transition within the energy sector. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, the Marshalltown facility is poised to adapt to future energy needs, contributing to a sustainable energy future while maintaining its essential role in the local grid.

Capacity
189 MW
Commissioning Year
1978

48 years old

Owner
Interstate Power and Light Co
Location
42.0474°, -92.8594°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,518. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #7,666 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,697 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

48 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

Interstate Power and Light Co operates 13 plants totalling 3,866 MW

Regional density

75 plants within 100 km, 5,842 MW combined

Nearest plant: Marshalltown Generating Station (1.2 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 42.047400, -92.859400
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
365.1 Kt
745 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
17.52 Mt
Over 48 years of operation
Past Retirement
2008
18 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
79.4K
cars per year
48.7K
homes per year
16.6M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Gas
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

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

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