Overview
AES Petersburg is a 2,154.8 MW coal power plant in Indiana, USA, operated by Indianapolis Power & Light Co. It is a major source of baseload electricity for the region.
AES Petersburg is a coal-fired power plant located in Petersburg, Indiana, United States. With a capacity of 2,154.8 MW, it ranks among the larger coal plants in the country, providing substantial baseload power to the regional grid. The facility is owned and operated by Indianapolis Power & Light Co., a subsidiary of AES Corporation. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants. As a coal-fired facility, AES Petersburg likely employs pollution control technologies such as scrubbers and selective catalytic reduction to meet these standards. The plant plays a critical role in ensuring reliable electricity supply for homes and businesses in Indiana and surrounding states. Its large capacity and coal fuel source contribute to its significance in the regional energy mix, though it also faces environmental scrutiny due to CO2 emissions and other pollutants. The facility's operational status underscores its ongoing contribution to the power grid.
Environmental context
AES Petersburg, as a large coal-fired power plant, has a significant environmental footprint primarily due to CO2 emissions, which contribute to climate change, and other pollutants like SO2 and NOx that affect local air quality. The plant's location in a relatively rural area of Indiana may reduce direct population exposure, but regional transport of emissions can impact downwind communities. The facility likely operates under stringent EPA regulations, including the Acid Rain Program and CSAPR, which require continuous emission reductions. Its age and technology (subcritical or supercritical) influence its efficiency and emission intensity.
Frequently asked questions
AES Petersburg is located in Petersburg, Indiana, United States.
AES Petersburg has a capacity of 2,154.8 megawatts (MW), making it a large coal-fired power plant.
AES Petersburg is owned and operated by Indianapolis Power & Light Co., a subsidiary of AES Corporation.
As a U.S. coal plant, AES Petersburg must comply with the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which regulate SO2 and NOx emissions.
AES Petersburg uses coal as its primary fuel source.