Ceredo Generating Station - Gas Power Plant in West Virginia, USA

Ceredo Generating Station is a gas-fired power generation facility located in West Virginia, United States. With a capacity of 519 megawatts, it operates as a medium-to-large scale plant within the US power sector, contributing to the regional electricity supply under the ownership of Appalachian Power Co. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal. It operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency, including the Clean Air Act and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants, ensuring compliance with national air quality standards. As an operational gas power plant, Ceredo Generating Station plays a key role in meeting local energy demand while balancing environmental considerations. Its location in the Appalachian region places it within an area historically associated with coal mining, but the shift to gas reflects broader industry trends toward lower-carbon energy sources. The plant supports grid reliability and economic activity in the region.

The plant's gas-fired technology produces lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in West Virginia, a state with significant coal history, means it operates in a region with evolving air quality management. Proximity to populated areas may influence local air quality, though modern gas plants typically employ emissions controls. The facility's age and specific technology (e.g., combined cycle vs. Gas plants generally have a smaller environmental footprint than coal.