Jim Bridger Coal Power Plant | Wyoming, USA | 2,442 MW Capacity

Jim Bridger is a major coal-fired power plant located in Wyoming, United States, with a capacity of 2,442 MW. Owned and operated by PacifiCorp, the facility plays a significant role in the regional power grid, providing baseload electricity to customers across several western states. As a large-scale coal plant, it represents a substantial component of the area's energy infrastructure. 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 facility's technology and age are typical of large coal plants built in the 1970s and 1980s, with subcritical boiler technology common for that era. Jim Bridger's environmental significance stems from its coal fuel source and substantial capacity, resulting in significant CO2 emissions and other air pollutants. Its location in a sparsely populated area of Wyoming reduces direct population exposure, but the plant's emissions contribute to regional and global environmental impacts. The facility's operational status and role in the energy mix highlight the ongoing transition in U.S. power generation towards cleaner sources.

Jim Bridger's coal-fired operation results in substantial CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions, typical for large coal plants. The facility's location in rural Wyoming minimizes local population exposure, but its emissions contribute to regional air quality issues and climate change. The plant's age and subcritical technology mean it has higher emission rates per MWh compared to modern supercritical or combined-cycle plants. Regulatory compliance with EPA programs like CSAPR and the Acid Rain Program is critical for managing its environmental footprint.