Overview
James H Miller Jr is a 2,822 MW coal power plant in Alabama, United States, operated by Alabama Power Co. It is one of the largest coal-fired facilities in the country.
James H Miller Jr is a major coal-fired power plant located in Alabama, United States, with a capacity of 2,822 MW. Owned and operated by Alabama Power Co, the facility plays a significant role in the regional power grid, supplying electricity to a large customer base. As a coal plant, it operates within the context of the US energy sector, where coal remains a key baseload power source despite increasing regulatory pressures. The plant's technology is typical of large-scale coal generation, likely utilizing subcritical or supercritical steam turbines. It is subject to federal environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which impose limits on sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other emissions. The facility's age and specific emission controls are not detailed, but its size suggests significant environmental oversight. James H Miller Jr contributes to the energy security of the region, providing reliable power to homes and industries. Its coal fuel source ties it to broader environmental concerns regarding CO2 emissions and local air quality. The plant's operational status indicates ongoing compliance with regulatory standards, balancing electricity demand with environmental responsibilities.
Environmental context
The plant's coal combustion produces substantial CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change, along with SO2 and NOx that affect local air quality. Its location in Alabama, a state with moderate population density, means emissions may impact nearby communities. The facility's age and technology level influence its efficiency and emission rates, with older subcritical units typically emitting more per MWh than modern supercritical or CCGT plants. Regulatory programs like CSAPR aim to reduce cross-state pollution, but coal plants remain a significant environmental concern.
Frequently asked questions
James H Miller Jr is located in Alabama, United States, at coordinates 33.631900, -87.059700.
James H Miller Jr has a capacity of 2,822 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States.
James H Miller Jr is owned and operated by Alabama Power Co, a subsidiary of Southern Company.
Coal power plants in the US are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program for SO2 and NOx, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) for interstate pollution. They must also comply with state-level emission standards.
The primary fuel used at James H Miller Jr is coal, which is typical for large baseload power generation in the United States.