World Power Plants

W H Weatherspoon power generation facility ranks as the 1584th largest power plant in the United States, with a capacity of 163 MW. This oil-fired plant, operated by Duke Energy Progress, contributes a mere 0.01% to the nation’s extensive energy portfolio, which encompasses 10,047 plants and a staggering total capacity of 1,386,385 MW. While the plant’s contribution may seem small in the grand scheme of the U.S. energy landscape, its operational significance is heightened given the historical reliance on oil as a fuel source. Commissioned in 1970, W H Weatherspoon employs traditional oil combustion technology to generate electricity, which, although less common today, still plays a role in diversifying the energy mix. Within a 50-kilometer radius, W H Weatherspoon is surrounded by a cluster of solar power facilities, including Innovative Solar 46, Innovative Solar 42, and Shoe Creek Solar LLC, which have capacities ranging from 35 MW to 78.5 MW. This juxtaposition of oil and solar power highlights the ongoing transition in the energy sector, where renewable sources are becoming increasingly prominent. In this context, W H Weatherspoon serves as a reminder of the historical importance of fossil fuels while illustrating the shift toward cleaner alternatives. Despite its age, the facility remains a crucial part of the local energy infrastructure, providing a reliable power source in a region that is embracing solar technology. The U.S. energy profile indicates a dominant reliance on gas, but plants like W H Weatherspoon still contribute to a diverse energy portfolio. As renewable energies gain traction, the future of oil plants like W H Weatherspoon may involve adaptations to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Therefore, this facility’s role in the energy landscape will be monitored closely as the country moves toward a more sustainable energy future.

Capacity
163 MW
Commissioning Year
1970

56 years old

Owner
Duke Energy Progress - (NC)
Location
34.5875°, -78.9755°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,635. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #8,111 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #348 of 2,478 Oil plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

56 years in operation

Oil fleet average: 28.7 years

Operator portfolio

Duke Energy Progress - (NC) operates 20 plants totalling 14,760 MW

Regional density

179 plants within 100 km, 5,943 MW combined

Nearest plant: FLS Solar 170 LLC (1.5 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 34.587500, -78.975500
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Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
324.8 Kt
500 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
18.19 Mt
Over 56 years of operation
Past Retirement
2000
26 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
70.6K
cars per year
43.3K
homes per year
14.8M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
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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