Overview
Mountaineer is a 1,300 MW coal-fired power plant in West Virginia, United States, operated by Appalachian Power Co. It is a major coal power generation facility in the region.
Mountaineer is a coal power plant located in West Virginia, United States, with a capacity of 1,300 MW. It is operated by Appalachian Power Co and is currently operational. The plant is a significant contributor to the local power grid, utilizing coal as its primary fuel source. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US 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 and age are typical of large coal-fired facilities in the region, with subcritical or supercritical steam cycles common for plants of this era. Mountaineer plays a key role in providing baseload power to the Appalachian region. Its environmental footprint is influenced by its coal fuel source, which results in CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions. The plant's proximity to populated areas and its capacity contribute to its significance in the local energy mix and regulatory oversight.
Environmental context
Mountaineer's coal fuel source results in significant CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions, which are regulated under US EPA programs. The plant's 1,300 MW capacity places it in the large-scale category, with potential environmental impacts on local air quality and regional acid deposition. Its location in West Virginia, a state with a history of coal mining, aligns with the regional industrial context.
Frequently asked questions
Mountaineer is located in West Virginia, United States, at coordinates 38.979400, -81.934400.
Mountaineer has a capacity of 1,300 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale coal power plant.
Mountaineer is operated by Appalachian Power Co, a utility company serving the Appalachian region.
Mountaineer operates under US EPA regulations including the Clean Air Act, Acid Rain Program, and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which limit SO2, NOx, and other emissions.
Mountaineer uses coal as its primary fuel, a common fuel for baseload power generation in the United States.