Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is a coal-fired power plant located in Underwood, North Dakota. The plant has a capacity of 1,150 megawatts (MW) and provides electricity to customers in Minnesota and North Dakota. Coal Creek Station is one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States.
The plant has been in operation since 1979 and has been the subject of controversy due to its environmental impact. Coal Creek Station is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States, and it has been linked to health problems in the surrounding communities. In 2016, Great River Energy announced that it would close Coal Creek Station by 2030.
The closure of Coal Creek Station is a significant step in the transition to a clean energy future. Coal-fired power plants are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and their closure is essential to mitigating climate change. The closure of Coal Creek Station will also improve air quality in the surrounding communities and reduce the risk of health problems.
1. Capacity
The capacity of Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is 1,150 megawatts (MW). This means that the plant can generate enough electricity to power over 1 million homes. The plant's capacity is a major factor in its importance to the region. Coal Creek Station is one of the largest power plants in the Upper Midwest, and it provides a significant portion of the electricity used in Minnesota and North Dakota.
The plant's capacity is also important for its role in the nation's energy grid. Coal Creek Station is part of a network of power plants that helps to ensure that there is always enough electricity to meet the demand. The plant's capacity helps to prevent blackouts and brownouts, and it also helps to keep electricity prices stable.
The capacity of Coal Creek Station is a key factor in its importance to the region and to the nation's energy grid. The plant's capacity helps to ensure that there is always enough electricity to meet the demand, and it also helps to keep electricity prices stable.
2. Location
Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is located in Underwood, North Dakota. The plant's location is important for a number of reasons.
- Proximity to coal mines: Underwood is located in the heart of the coal-rich Fort Union Basin. This gives Coal Creek Station easy access to the fuel it needs to operate.
- Access to water: Coal Creek Station uses water to cool its generators. The plant is located near the Missouri River, which provides a reliable source of water.
- Transmission lines: Coal Creek Station is connected to the power grid by a network of transmission lines. These lines allow the plant to deliver electricity to customers in Minnesota and North Dakota.
- Transportation: Coal Creek Station is located near major highways and railroads. This makes it easy to transport coal to the plant and to ship electricity to customers.
The location of Coal Creek Station in Underwood, North Dakota is essential to the plant's operation. The plant's proximity to coal mines, water, transmission lines, and transportation makes it a reliable and efficient source of electricity for the region.
3. Fuel
Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is a coal-fired power plant, meaning that it uses coal as its primary fuel to generate electricity. Coal is a fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of ancient plants that have been buried and compressed over millions of years. Coal is a relatively inexpensive and abundant fuel source, which is why it is still widely used to generate electricity around the world.
- Availability and affordability: Coal is a relatively abundant and affordable fuel source, which is one of the reasons why it is still widely used to generate electricity. Coal is also a domestically produced fuel source, which can help to reduce dependence on foreign energy imports.
- Reliability: Coal-fired power plants are reliable sources of electricity, as they can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Coal-fired power plants are also less affected by weather conditions than other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
- Environmental impact: Coal-fired power plants have a significant environmental impact, as they emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Coal mining can also damage the environment, as it can lead to deforestation and water pollution.
The use of coal as a fuel source is a complex issue with both advantages and disadvantages. Coal is a relatively inexpensive and abundant fuel source, but it also has a significant environmental impact. The use of coal to generate electricity is likely to continue to decline in the coming years, as more and more countries transition to cleaner energy sources.
4. Status
Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is currently operating, but it is scheduled to close by 2030. This is a significant development, as Coal Creek Station is one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States. The closure of Coal Creek Station is a major step in the transition to a clean energy future.
Coal-fired power plants are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. The closure of Coal Creek Station will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help to mitigate the effects of climate change. The closure of Coal Creek Station will also improve air quality in the surrounding communities and reduce the risk of health problems.
The closure of Coal Creek Station is a complex issue with both positive and negative impacts. The closure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, but it will also result in the loss of jobs and economic activity in the surrounding communities. It is important to weigh the costs and benefits of the closure carefully in order to make the best decision for the future.
5. Environmental impact
Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Climate change is a serious threat to the environment and human health.
The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Coal Creek Station is one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States. It emits millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.
The carbon dioxide emissions from Coal Creek Station contribute to climate change. Climate change is causing the planet to warm, which is leading to more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. Climate change is also causing sea levels to rise, which is threatening coastal communities.
The closure of Coal Creek Station is a major step in the fight against climate change. The closure of the plant will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
FAQs about Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station, a coal-fired power plant located in Underwood, North Dakota.
Question 1: What is the capacity of Coal Creek Station?
Answer: Coal Creek Station has a capacity of 1,150 megawatts (MW), which means that it can generate enough electricity to power over 1 million homes.
Question 2: What type of fuel does Coal Creek Station use?
Answer: Coal Creek Station is a coal-fired power plant, meaning that it uses coal as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
Question 3: Where is Coal Creek Station located?
Answer: Coal Creek Station is located in Underwood, North Dakota, which is in the heart of the coal-rich Fort Union Basin.
Question 4: What is the environmental impact of Coal Creek Station?
Answer: Coal Creek Station is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change. The plant also emits other pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Question 5: Is Coal Creek Station scheduled to close?
Answer: Yes, Coal Creek Station is scheduled to close by 2030.
Question 6: What are the benefits of closing Coal Creek Station?
Answer: Closing Coal Creek Station will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality in the surrounding communities. It will also help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Summary: Coal Creek Station is a major coal-fired power plant that has a significant environmental impact. The plant is scheduled to close by 2030, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality.
Transition to the next article section:
The closure of Coal Creek Station is a significant step in the transition to a clean energy future. Coal-fired power plants are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and their closure is essential to mitigating climate change.
Great River Energy Coal Creek Station
Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is a major coal-fired power plant located in Underwood, North Dakota. The plant has a capacity of 1,150 megawatts (MW) and provides electricity to customers in Minnesota and North Dakota. Coal Creek Station is one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States.
Here are some tips and insights related to Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station:
Tip 1: Understand the plant's environmental impact.
Coal Creek Station is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change. The plant also emits other pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Understanding the plant's environmental impact can help you make informed decisions about energy consumption and climate change mitigation.
Tip 2: Consider the plant's economic impact.
Coal Creek Station is a major employer in the Underwood area. The plant also provides tax revenue and supports local businesses. Considering the plant's economic impact can help you understand its importance to the local community.
Tip 3: Be aware of the plant's future.
Coal Creek Station is scheduled to close by 2030. This is due to the plant's age, environmental impact, and the declining cost of renewable energy. Being aware of the plant's future can help you plan for the transition to a clean energy future.
Tip 4: Learn about alternative energy sources.
As Coal Creek Station closes, it is important to learn about alternative energy sources. This can help you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and support the transition to a clean energy future. There are many different renewable energy technologies available, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.
Tip 5: Make informed decisions about energy consumption.
One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of coal-fired power plants is to reduce energy consumption. There are many ways to do this, such as turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging electronics when you're not using them, and using energy-efficient appliances.
Summary:
Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is a major coal-fired power plant with a significant environmental and economic impact. As the plant approaches its closure in 2030, it is important to be aware of its future and to learn about alternative energy sources. By making informed decisions about energy consumption, we can all help to reduce the environmental impact of coal-fired power plants and transition to a clean energy future.
Transition to the article's conclusion:
The closure of Coal Creek Station is a significant step in the transition to a clean energy future. By understanding the plant's environmental impact, economic impact, and future, we can all make informed decisions about energy consumption and support the transition to renewable energy.
Conclusion
Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is a major coal-fired power plant in the United States. The plant has a significant environmental impact, as it is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions. Coal Creek Station is also scheduled to close by 2030, as part of the transition to a clean energy future.
The closure of Coal Creek Station is a significant step in the fight against climate change. However, it is important to remember that the transition to a clean energy future will not be easy. There will be challenges, and there will be setbacks. But we must not give up. The future of our planet depends on it.
We must all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and support the transition to renewable energy. By making informed decisions about energy consumption, we can all help to create a clean energy future.