Coronado Coal Power Plant | 821.8 MW Facility in the United States

Coronado is a coal-fired power plant located in the United States, with a capacity of 821.8 megawatts. The facility is owned and operated by Salt River Project, a major utility in the region. As a coal power plant, it plays a significant role in the local energy mix, providing baseload power to the grid. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including the Clean Air Act and its associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. These regulations set emission limits for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. Coal plants of this scale typically use subcritical or supercritical technology, with emission control systems like scrubbers and selective catalytic reduction to meet compliance. Coronado's environmental footprint is influenced by its coal fuel source, which results in higher CO2 emissions compared to natural gas or renewable sources. The plant's location in a relatively rural area may reduce direct population exposure, but its emissions contribute to regional air quality and climate impacts. The facility's operational status and capacity underscore its importance for grid reliability in the region.

The Coronado coal plant's environmental context is shaped by its fuel type and capacity. Coal combustion releases significant CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to climate change and local air quality issues. The plant's location in a semi-arid region of the southwestern United States means water usage for cooling may compete with local water resources. Proximity to populated areas is limited, but regional transport of pollutants can affect downwind communities. Regulatory compliance with EPA standards requires continuous emission monitoring and control technologies.