World Power Plants

The White Bluff Power Plant is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in the United States of America, specifically in the state of Arkansas. With a formidable capacity of 1800 MW, this power plant plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributes substantially to the national energy mix. Operated by Entergy Arkansas LLC, White Bluff has been in operation since its commissioning in 1980, providing reliable electricity to the local grid for over four decades. As a coal power plant, White Bluff utilizes traditional combustion technology to convert coal into electricity, ensuring a consistent and stable energy supply. Situated at coordinates 34.4228, -92.1406, the plant is strategically located to serve the surrounding areas, making it an integral part of the local energy infrastructure. The importance of White Bluff extends beyond its immediate vicinity, as it supports the broader energy goals of the United States, particularly in maintaining energy independence through domestic fuel sources. The coal-fired generation technology employed at White Bluff aligns with the historical reliance on coal in the U.S. energy sector, although the plant must also navigate the evolving energy policy landscape that increasingly emphasizes cleaner energy sources. Nonetheless, White Bluff continues to be a backbone of energy generation, balancing the needs of reliability and economic efficiency in a transitioning energy market.

Capacity
1,800 MW

1.80 GW

Commissioning Year
1980

46 years old

Owner
Entergy Arkansas LLC
Location
34.4228°, -92.1406°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 142. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #980 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #375 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.13% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

46 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

Entergy Arkansas LLC operates 7 plants totalling 7,360 MW

Regional density

18 plants within 100 km, 3,428 MW combined

Nearest plant: Harry L. Oswald (20.1 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 34.422800, -92.140600
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.11 Mt
8672 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
327.12 Mt
Over 46 years of operation
Past Retirement
2020
6 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.5M
cars per year
948.2K
homes per year
323.2M
trees to offset

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 White Bluff Power Plant: A Key Coal-Fired Facility in the USA

The White Bluff Power Plant, located in Arkansas, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a total capacity of 1,800 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by Entergy Arkansas LLC, this power plant plays a vital role in the energy sector of the United States, particularly in the southeastern region. Commissioned in 1980, White Bluff has been a cornerstone of the local energy infrastructure, providing reliable electricity to millions of residents and businesses over the decades.

The White Bluff Power Plant utilizes coal as its primary fuel source. Coal has historically been one of the dominant fuels for electricity generation in the United States due to its abundant availability and cost-effectiveness. The plant employs advanced coal combustion technologies to optimize efficiency and reduce operational costs. However, coal-fired power plants are also associated with certain technical challenges, including the management of emissions such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. In response to environmental regulations and concerns, the White Bluff facility has implemented various measures to mitigate its environmental impact, including the installation of scrubbers and other pollution control technologies.

In terms of environmental impact, coal-fired power plants, including White Bluff, are often scrutinized due to their contribution to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide (CO2), a significant contributor to climate change. As the country shifts toward cleaner energy sources, the role of coal in the energy mix is being reevaluated. While White Bluff has made efforts to comply with state and federal environmental regulations, it still faces challenges related to the sustainability of coal as a long-term energy source.

Regionally, the White Bluff Power Plant is of considerable significance. It supports the energy demands of Arkansas and contributes to the stability of the local grid. The facility not only provides power but also plays a role in job creation and economic activity in the region. Entergy Arkansas LLC's investment in the plant reflects its commitment to ensuring a reliable supply of electricity while also addressing the evolving energy landscape. As the energy sector continues to transition toward renewable sources, the importance of established plants like White Bluff will likely decrease, but their impact on local economies and energy security remains pertinent.

Overall, the White Bluff Power Plant exemplifies the complexities of coal-based energy generation in the United States, highlighting both its historical significance and the ongoing challenges related to environmental sustainability and energy transition.

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

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

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.