Morgantown Generating Plant - 1,548 MW Coal Power Station in Newburg, Maryland

Morgantown Generating Plant is a large coal-fired power station located in Newburg, Maryland, United States. With a capacity of 1,548 MW, it ranks among the major coal plants in the region, supplying baseload power to the mid-Atlantic grid. The facility is owned and operated by GenOn Mid-Atlantic LLC and remains operational. The plant utilizes pulverized coal combustion technology, typical of its vintage. As a coal-fired facility in the United States, it operates under the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations require stringent controls on sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter emissions. The plant likely employs flue-gas desulfurization and selective catalytic reduction to meet these standards. Morgantown Generating Plant plays a significant role in regional electricity reliability, serving communities in Maryland and surrounding states. Its location along the Potomac River provides access to cooling water and coal delivery via barge. The facility's environmental footprint is managed through continuous emission monitoring and compliance with state and federal air quality standards.

The plant's coal fuel source results in significant CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change. Its proximity to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay watershed raises concerns about water use and thermal discharge. The facility's age and technology (subcritical or supercritical) affect its efficiency and emission intensity. Regulatory compliance under the Clean Air Act's Acid Rain Program and CSAPR helps mitigate SO2 and NOx impacts on local air quality and downwind states.