Meramec Coal Power Plant: Missouri, United States Power Generation

Meramec is a coal-fired power plant located in Missouri, United States, with a capacity of 1,041 megawatts. It is owned and operated by Union Electric Co, a subsidiary of Ameren, and serves the energy needs of the surrounding region. The plant is currently operational and plays a significant role in the local power generation mix. As a coal power plant, Meramec 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 older coal-fired units, which may have lower efficiency compared to modern supercritical or combined-cycle plants. The plant's environmental context includes its proximity to populated areas and its contribution to regional air quality. Coal combustion produces CO2, SO2, NOx, and particulate matter, which are subject to stringent emission limits. Meramec's capacity places it in the large-scale category for coal plants in the U.S., and its operational status indicates ongoing compliance with environmental standards.

Meramec's coal-fired operations contribute to local and regional air emissions, including CO2, SO2, and NOx. The plant is located in a region with moderate population density, and its emissions are regulated under the EPA's Clean Air Act programs. The facility's age and technology may result in higher emission rates per megawatt compared to newer natural gas or renewable sources.