Scherer Power Plant
3.6 GW coal power plant in United States of America
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1982, Scherer Power Plant is a coal power plant located in United States of America with an installed capacity of 3.6 GW. It is operated by Georgia Power. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 10 power plants in United States of America.
Why It Matters
Scherer Power Plant is one of the largest sources of dispatchable power in United States of America, generating enough electricity for around 1.6 million US-equivalent households per year. Coal plants of this scale historically anchored national grids, but their high CO2 intensity makes them central targets in most decarbonization plans.
Environmental Impact
Scherer Power Plant is among the most carbon-intensive forms of electricity generation. A plant of this size typically emits roughly 16.3 million tonnes of CO2 per year, along with particulate matter, sulfur compounds, and trace heavy metals. Most national decarbonization plans include phasing plants like this out within the next two decades.
Fun Facts
- One of the 10 largest power plants in United States of America.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 1.6 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 44 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Scherer Power Plant produce?▾
Scherer Power Plant has an installed nameplate capacity of 3.6 GW. At typical capacity factors for coal plants (~55%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 1.6 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Scherer Power Plant located?▾
Scherer Power Plant is located in United States of America at approximately 33.0958°, -83.7933°.
When was Scherer Power Plant built?▾
Scherer Power Plant was commissioned in 1982.
Who owns Scherer Power Plant?▾
Scherer Power Plant is owned and operated by Georgia Power.
About Coal Power
Coal power plants burn coal to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. While reliable and capable of producing large amounts of power, coal plants are significant sources of CO2 emissions and air pollution.
Other Coal Power Plants in United States of America
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡W.A. Parish Generating Station | 3.7 GW | NRG Energy |
| ⚡Bowen Power Station | 3.5 GW | Georgia Power |
| ⚡Gibson Generating Station | 3.3 GW | Duke Energy |
| ⚡Bruce Mansfield Power Plant | 2.7 GW | FirstEnergy |
| ⚡Rockport Generating Station | 2.6 GW | American Electric Power |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.