World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

The Wilson power generation facility, located in the United States at coordinates 33.1377, -81.7483, serves as a crucial oil-fired power plant with a capacity of 317.6 MW. Originally commissioned in 1973, the plant has been a key player in meeting the energy demands of the Southeastern region, particularly in South Carolina. Utilizing oil as its primary fuel type, Wilson plays a significant role in providing a reliable electricity supply, especially during peak demand periods when other renewable sources might be insufficient. The historical context of the Wilson facility reflects the energy landscape of the U.S., where oil-fired plants have traditionally been integral to maintaining grid stability. Despite the growing shift towards renewable energy, Wilson continues to be an important asset, ensuring that the local grid remains resilient. The facility's operational history and strategic location highlight its ongoing relevance in the context of energy policies that aim to balance traditional and renewable energy sources in the United States.

Capacity
317.6 MW
Commissioning Year
1973

53 years old

Owner
Georgia Power Co
Location
33.1377°, -81.7483°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 33.137700, -81.748300
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
632.9 Kt
974 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
33.55 Mt
Over 53 years of operation
Past Retirement
2003
23 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
137.6K
cars per year
84.4K
homes per year
28.8M
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

10,047
Total Plants
1386.4 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearHydro
Top Fuels

An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source

Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).

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.