Overview
Las Palmas II is an 83 MW coal-fired power plant located in Guatemala. It is operational and contributes to the country's power generation capacity.
Las Palmas II is a coal power plant located in Guatemala, with an installed capacity of 83 megawatts. The facility is operational and plays a role in the country's energy mix, which includes a combination of hydroelectric, geothermal, and fossil fuel sources. As a coal-fired plant, Las Palmas II operates under Guatemala's national environmental regulations, which are less stringent than those in the European Union or the United States. The plant uses coal as its primary fuel, and its technology is typical for a medium-sized facility in the region. Guatemala's power sector is regulated by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and plants must comply with emission standards for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The plant's capacity of 83 MW places it in the medium-scale category for coal power generation. Its location near populated areas may raise environmental considerations regarding air quality and emissions. The facility contributes to grid stability and supports local electricity demand, though its coal fuel source results in higher carbon dioxide emissions compared to natural gas or renewable alternatives.
Environmental context
The plant's coal fuel source results in significant CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, which can impact local air quality. Its proximity to populated areas may increase exposure to pollutants. The facility's age and technology (likely subcritical) contribute to lower efficiency and higher emissions per megawatt compared to modern supercritical or combined-cycle plants.
Frequently asked questions
Las Palmas II is a coal power plant located in Guatemala, with coordinates approximately 14.26° N, -90.80° W.
Las Palmas II has an installed capacity of 83 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale coal-fired power plant.
Las Palmas II uses coal as its primary fuel for power generation.
Coal power plants in Guatemala must comply with national emission standards set by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, including limits on sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. However, regulations are less stringent than those in the EU or US.
Las Palmas II provides baseload power to Guatemala's grid, helping to meet electricity demand. Its 83 MW capacity supports industrial and residential consumers, though coal-fired generation has higher carbon emissions compared to renewable sources.