Flint Creek Coal Power Plant | Arkansas, United States

Flint Creek is a coal-fired power generation facility located in Arkansas, United States, with a capacity of 558 megawatts. The plant is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Co, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, and serves the electricity needs of the surrounding region. As a coal power plant, it operates within the context of the US energy mix, where coal remains a significant but declining source of baseload power. The plant's 558 MW capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale range for coal power plants in the United States. While specific technical details such as boiler type or emission control systems are not disclosed, coal plants of this era typically employ subcritical or supercritical steam cycles. The facility is subject to federal and state environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act, which governs emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter through programs like the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. Flint Creek plays a role in providing reliable baseload power to the regional grid, supporting industrial, commercial, and residential customers. Its operation contributes to the local economy through employment and tax revenue. The plant's environmental footprint is characteristic of coal generation, with associated CO2 emissions and other pollutants, though modern control technologies may mitigate some impacts.

The plant's coal fuel source results in significant CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewables. Its location in Arkansas, a state with moderate population density, means that air quality impacts from SOx, NOx, and particulate matter are subject to EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The plant's age and technology level (likely subcritical or supercritical) affect its thermal efficiency and emission intensity.