Overview
George Neal North is a 584.1 MW coal power plant in the United States, operated by MidAmerican Energy Co. It is located in Iowa and plays a key role in the regional power grid.
George Neal North is a coal-fired power plant located in Iowa, United States, with a generating capacity of 584.1 megawatts. The plant is owned and operated by MidAmerican Energy Co, a major utility in the region. As a coal power plant, it contributes to the baseload power supply for the surrounding area. 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. The plant's technology is typical of coal-fired units of its era, with subcritical or supercritical steam cycles. George Neal North serves as a significant source of electricity for the MidAmerican Energy grid, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its operational status as an active coal plant reflects the ongoing role of coal in the U.S. energy mix, though it faces environmental scrutiny due to CO2 and other emissions. The plant's location in Iowa places it within a region with a mix of agricultural and industrial energy demand.
Environmental context
As a coal-fired power plant, George Neal North has a substantial environmental footprint, primarily from CO2 emissions contributing to climate change, as well as SO2 and NOx emissions that can affect local air quality. The plant's proximity to populated areas in Iowa may expose communities to pollutants, though modern emission controls help mitigate impacts. The facility operates under EPA regulations that require continuous monitoring and reduction of emissions, aligning with national efforts to balance energy production with environmental protection.
Frequently asked questions
George Neal North is located in Iowa, United States, near the coordinates 42.2998° N, -96.3617° W.
George Neal North has a generating capacity of 584.1 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large coal power plant.
George Neal North is owned and operated by MidAmerican Energy Co, a utility serving customers in the Midwest.
As a U.S. coal plant, George Neal North must comply with the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and CSAPR, which limit SO2 and NOx emissions.
George Neal North uses coal as its primary fuel, which is typical for baseload power generation in the region.