The Shawnee power plant, situated in the United States, plays a vital role in the region's energy landscape, particularly as a coal-fired power generation facility. Owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this plant was commissioned in 1954 and features a notable capacity of 1575 MW. Located at coordinates 37.1517 latitude and -88.7750 longitude, Shawnee is strategically positioned to serve the energy needs of the surrounding areas while contributing to the broader electrical grid. As a coal-fired power plant, Shawnee utilizes pulverized coal combustion technology to generate electricity. The process involves burning finely ground coal to produce steam that drives turbines, a method that has been a cornerstone of energy generation for decades. In the context of the national energy mix, Shawnee provides essential baseload power, particularly in regions where coal continues to play a significant role despite the growing emphasis on renewable energy sources. The plant's output is crucial for maintaining energy reliability, especially in peak demand periods when electricity consumption surges. The TVA, as a federal corporation, adheres to policies that aim to provide affordable and reliable electricity while also addressing environmental considerations. Shawnee’s operation reflects the complexities of balancing energy generation from traditional fossil fuels with the need for cleaner alternatives. As the U.S. energy landscape evolves, Shawnee remains an important facility within the TVA’s fleet, contributing significantly to the energy security of the region and helping to sustain the local economy through job creation and energy availability.
1.57 GW
72 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 Shawnee Power Plant, located in the United States, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a total capacity of 1,575 megawatts (MW). Owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the plant was commissioned in 1954 and has played a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region and the nation. As one of the major coal plants in the TVA fleet, Shawnee contributes to the overall energy mix and provides a substantial portion of electricity to the Tennessee Valley and surrounding areas.
Coal is the primary fuel source for the Shawnee Power Plant, which utilizes this fossil fuel to generate electricity through combustion. In a coal-fired power plant, coal is burned in a boiler to produce steam, which then drives turbines connected to generators. The use of coal as a fuel type has historically been a cornerstone of electricity generation in the United States, providing a reliable and relatively inexpensive source of energy. However, the combustion of coal releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, raising concerns about air quality and climate change.
Environmental impacts associated with the Shawnee Power Plant and similar facilities are substantial. The burning of coal contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which are linked to global warming and climate change. Additionally, emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can lead to acid rain and respiratory problems in humans. Over the years, the TVA has implemented various measures to mitigate these environmental impacts, including the installation of scrubbers and other pollution control technologies to reduce emissions. As the nation moves towards cleaner energy sources, the role of coal plants like Shawnee is increasingly scrutinized, and many are transitioning to more sustainable practices or retiring older units.
Regionally, the Shawnee Power Plant is of significant importance to the local economy and energy infrastructure. It provides a stable source of electricity to millions of residents and businesses in the Tennessee Valley, supporting both industrial and residential needs. The TVA plays a critical role in ensuring energy reliability and affordability, and Shawnee is a key asset in fulfilling this mission. The plant also supports local jobs and contributes to the economy through its operations and maintenance. However, as the energy landscape evolves with a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources, the future of coal plants like Shawnee is uncertain. The transition to cleaner energy solutions will require careful consideration of energy needs, environmental impacts, and economic factors to ensure a balanced approach to energy generation 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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