W.A. Parish Generating Station
One of the largest power plants in United States of America
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1958, W.A. Parish Generating Station is a coal power plant located in United States of America with an installed capacity of 3.7 GW. It is operated by NRG Energy. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in United States of America.
Why It Matters
W.A. Parish Generating Station is one of the largest sources of dispatchable power in United States of America, generating enough electricity for around 1.7 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
W.A. Parish Generating Station is among the most carbon-intensive forms of electricity generation. A plant of this size typically emits roughly 16.7 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 1.7 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 68 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does W.A. Parish Generating Station produce?▾
W.A. Parish Generating Station has an installed nameplate capacity of 3.7 GW. At typical capacity factors for coal plants (~55%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 1.7 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is W.A. Parish Generating Station located?▾
W.A. Parish Generating Station is located in United States of America at approximately 29.4869°, -95.6322°.
When was W.A. Parish Generating Station built?▾
W.A. Parish Generating Station was commissioned in 1958.
Who owns W.A. Parish Generating Station?▾
W.A. Parish Generating Station is owned and operated by NRG Energy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Scherer Power Plant | 3.6 GW | Georgia Power |
| ⚡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.