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Coal3.3 GW

Gibson Generating Station

3.3 GW coal power plant in United States of America

📍United States of America
📅Commissioned 1976
🏢Duke Energy
Capacity
3.3 GW
Fuel
Coal
Homes Powered
~1.5 million
Commissioned
1976

Location

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Latitude: 38.3697°
Longitude: -87.7625°
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History & Background

Commissioned in 1976, Gibson Generating Station is a coal power plant located in United States of America with an installed capacity of 3.3 GW. It is operated by Duke Energy. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 10 power plants in United States of America.

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Why It Matters

Gibson Generating Station is one of the largest sources of dispatchable power in United States of America, generating enough electricity for around 1.5 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.

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Environmental Impact

Gibson Generating Station is among the most carbon-intensive forms of electricity generation. A plant of this size typically emits roughly 15.3 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 1.5 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
  • Has been operating for 50 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does Gibson Generating Station produce?

Gibson Generating Station has an installed nameplate capacity of 3.3 GW. At typical capacity factors for coal plants (~55%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 1.5 million US-equivalent households per year.

Where is Gibson Generating Station located?

Gibson Generating Station is located in United States of America at approximately 38.3697°, -87.7625°.

When was Gibson Generating Station built?

Gibson Generating Station was commissioned in 1976.

Who owns Gibson Generating Station?

Gibson Generating Station is owned and operated by Duke 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

NameCapacityOwner
W.A. Parish Generating Station3.7 GWNRG Energy
Scherer Power Plant3.6 GWGeorgia Power
Bowen Power Station3.5 GWGeorgia Power
Bruce Mansfield Power Plant2.7 GWFirstEnergy
Rockport Generating Station2.6 GWAmerican Electric Power
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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.