The Newton 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 617.4 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 Illinois Power Generating Co, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1977, 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, Newton occupies the #157 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 617.4 MW capacity represents a 0.24% 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 Newton approximately 6.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0445% 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 2,974,633 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 270,421 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 38.9361° latitude and -88.2781° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Energy Shelby County (gas-fired, 483 MW), the Raccoon Creek Energy Center (gas-fired, 456 MW), the IMEA Flora (oil-fired, 9 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.
49 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
Newton Power Plant: A Coal-Fired Energy Facility in the USA
The Newton Power Plant, located in the United States, is a significant coal-fired power facility with a total capacity of 617.4 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1977 and owned by Illinois Power Generating Company, this plant plays an essential role in the energy sector of the region and the country at large. As one of the major sources of electricity in Illinois, the Newton Power Plant contributes to the grid's reliability and helps meet the energy demands of residential, commercial, and industrial consumers in the area.
The primary fuel source for the Newton Power Plant is coal, a fossil fuel that has historically been a cornerstone of electricity generation in the U.S. Coal is abundant in the country and has been utilized for decades due to its relatively low cost and established infrastructure for extraction and transportation. The combustion of coal in power plants like Newton generates electricity through a steam turbine mechanism, where coal is burned to produce steam that drives turbines connected to generators. Despite its advantages, coal as a fuel type presents significant challenges, particularly regarding environmental impact.
The environmental implications of coal-fired power generation are considerable. The combustion of coal releases various pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which can contribute to air quality degradation and respiratory health issues. Additionally, coal-fired power plants are significant sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which are a leading contributor to climate change. In response to these environmental challenges, the Newton Power Plant has implemented various measures to reduce its emissions footprint, including the installation of scrubbers and other technologies aimed at minimizing harmful emissions.
Regionally, the Newton Power Plant holds significant importance not only for its contribution to electricity generation but also for its role in the local economy. The plant provides jobs for numerous individuals, from operational staff to maintenance personnel, thus supporting the livelihoods of many families in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the facility plays a critical part in maintaining energy security within the region, especially during periods of high demand or extreme weather conditions when other sources of electricity may be less reliable.
In conclusion, the Newton Power Plant is a vital component of the United States' energy landscape, particularly in Illinois, where it contributes substantial capacity to the electrical grid. While it faces challenges related to environmental impact, ongoing advancements in emissions reduction technologies and operational efficiencies are crucial for balancing energy needs with ecological responsibilities. As the nation moves towards a more sustainable energy future, the role of coal-fired plants like Newton will continue to evolve, reflecting the broader transitions occurring within the energy sector.
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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