Great River Energy Coal Creek

Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station is a 1,100-megawatt coal-fired power plant located in Underwood, North Dakota. It is the largest power plant in North Dakota and one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States. The plant is owned and operated by Great River Energy, a not-for-profit electric cooperative based in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Coal Creek Station began operating in 1979 and has been a major source of electricity for the Upper Midwest for over 40 years. The plant employs approximately 250 people and has an annual economic impact of over $200 million on the local economy. Coal Creek Station is also a major taxpayer in Mercer County, North Dakota.

The plant has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to its environmental impact. Coal Creek Station is one of the largest sources of air pollution in North Dakota and has been linked to health problems such as asthma and heart disease. In 2016, the plant was cited by the Environmental Protection Agency for violating the Clean Air Act. Great River Energy has since invested in pollution control equipment and has reduced the plant's emissions.

1. Location

The location of Great River Energy Coal Creek in Underwood, North Dakota is significant for several reasons.

• Proximity to Coal Resources: Underwood is located in the heart of the North Dakota lignite coal region, which provides the plant with a reliable and affordable fuel source.
• Access to Transportation: Underwood is located near major rail lines and highways, which allows the plant to easily transport coal and other materials.
• Availability of Water: The plant is located near the Missouri River, which provides a source of water for cooling and other plant operations.
• Favorable Regulatory Environment: North Dakota has a favorable regulatory environment for coal-fired power plants, which has made it an attractive location for Great River Energy to invest.

The location of Great River Energy Coal Creek in Underwood, North Dakota has played a major role in the plant's success. The proximity to coal resources, transportation, water, and a favorable regulatory environment have all contributed to the plant's ability to provide reliable and affordable electricity to the Upper Midwest.

2. Owner/Operator

Great River Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative based in Maple Grove, Minnesota. It is the largest electric cooperative in the United States, serving over 1.8 million members in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota.

Great River Energy owns and operates a diverse portfolio of generation assets, including coal-fired power plants, natural gas-fired power plants, wind farms, and solar farms. Coal Creek Station is one of Great River Energy's largest power plants and a major source of electricity for the Upper Midwest.

Great River Energy's ownership and operation of Coal Creek Station is significant for several reasons.

• Reliability: Great River Energy is a reliable provider of electricity to its members. Coal Creek Station is a major part of Great River Energy's generation portfolio and helps to ensure that the cooperative can meet the electricity needs of its members.
• Affordability: Coal Creek Station is a relatively low-cost source of electricity. This helps to keep electricity rates affordable for Great River Energy's members.
• Environmental responsibility: Great River Energy is committed to environmental responsibility. Coal Creek Station is equipped with state-of-the-art pollution control equipment that helps to minimize the plant's environmental impact.

Great River Energy's ownership and operation of Coal Creek Station is essential to the cooperative's ability to provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible electricity to its members.

3. Capacity

Great River Energy Coal Creek has a capacity of 1,100 megawatts, making it one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States. This capacity is significant because it allows the plant to generate a large amount of electricity, which is essential to meet the energy needs of the Upper Midwest.

• Reliable Electricity Supply: The 1,100-megawatt capacity of Coal Creek Station ensures a reliable supply of electricity to the region. The plant is able to generate enough electricity to meet the needs of homes, businesses, and industries, even during periods of peak demand.
• Economic Benefits: The plant's capacity also has a positive economic impact on the region. Coal Creek Station employs approximately 250 people and has an annual economic impact of over $200 million on the local economy.
• Environmental Considerations: The plant's capacity must be balanced with environmental considerations. Coal Creek Station is one of the largest sources of air pollution in North Dakota, and its emissions have been linked to health problems such as asthma and heart disease. Great River Energy has invested in pollution control equipment to reduce the plant's emissions, but the plant's capacity still poses environmental challenges.

The 1,100-megawatt capacity of Great River Energy Coal Creek is a key factor in its ability to generate electricity, provide economic benefits, and meet the energy needs of the Upper Midwest. However, it is important to balance the plant's capacity with environmental considerations to ensure that the plant operates in a responsible and sustainable manner.

4. Fuel

Coal is the primary fuel used by Great River Energy Coal Creek to generate electricity. Coal is a fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been buried and compressed over millions of years. Coal is a relatively inexpensive and abundant fuel source, which makes it an attractive option for power plants.

• Reliability: Coal is a reliable fuel source that can be used to generate electricity around the clock. This is important for baseload power plants, which are needed to meet the minimum electricity demand of the grid.
• Affordability: Coal is a relatively inexpensive fuel source. This helps to keep electricity rates affordable for consumers.
• Environmental impact: Coal is a fossil fuel, and its combustion releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, which is a major environmental concern. Great River Energy has invested in pollution control equipment to reduce the plant's emissions, but coal-fired power plants still have a significant environmental impact.

The use of coal as a fuel source at Great River Energy Coal Creek has both advantages and disadvantages. Coal is a reliable and affordable fuel source, but it also has a significant environmental impact. Great River Energy is committed to reducing the plant's environmental impact, and the company has invested in pollution control equipment to reduce the plant's emissions.

5. Environmental Impact

Great River Energy Coal Creek is a major source of air pollution. The plant emits a variety of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause a range of health problems, including asthma, heart disease, and cancer. They can also damage the environment, contributing to acid rain and smog.

Great River Energy has taken steps to reduce the plant's environmental impact. The company has installed pollution control equipment and has switched to a lower-sulfur coal. However, the plant still emits a significant amount of pollution.

The environmental impact of Great River Energy Coal Creek is a major concern for many people. The plant's emissions have been linked to a number of health problems and environmental damage. Great River Energy needs to continue to take steps to reduce the plant's environmental impact.

6. Economic Impact

Great River Energy Coal Creek is a major taxpayer in Mercer County, North Dakota. The plant provides a significant source of revenue for the county, which helps to fund essential services such as schools, roads, and healthcare. In 2021, Coal Creek Station paid over $10 million in property taxes to Mercer County. This revenue is essential to the county's ability to provide these vital services to its residents.

The presence of Coal Creek Station also has a positive impact on the local economy. The plant employs approximately 250 people, and many of these employees live in Mercer County. The plant also supports a number of local businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. In addition, the plant's construction and operation have created jobs and economic opportunities in the county.

The economic impact of Great River Energy Coal Creek is a major benefit to Mercer County, North Dakota. The plant provides a significant source of revenue for the county, which helps to fund essential services. The plant also supports local businesses and creates jobs. Overall, Coal Creek Station has a positive impact on the economy of Mercer County.

FAQs on Great River Energy Coal Creek

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Great River Energy Coal Creek, a major coal-fired power plant in North Dakota. These FAQs aim to address common concerns or misconceptions about the plant and its operations.

Question 1: What is the environmental impact of Great River Energy Coal Creek?

Answer: Great River Energy Coal Creek is a major source of air pollution, emitting pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause a range of health problems and contribute to environmental damage. The plant has taken steps to reduce its emissions, but it remains a significant source of pollution.

Question 2: What is the economic impact of Great River Energy Coal Creek?

Answer: Great River Energy Coal Creek is a major taxpayer in Mercer County, North Dakota, providing a significant source of revenue for the county. The plant also supports local businesses and creates jobs. Overall, the plant has a positive impact on the economy of Mercer County.

Question 3: What is the future of Great River Energy Coal Creek?

Answer: The future of Great River Energy Coal Creek is uncertain. The plant faces increasing pressure to reduce its emissions, and it is possible that it will be forced to close in the coming years. However, the plant is still an important source of electricity for the Upper Midwest, and it is possible that it will continue to operate for many years to come.

Question 4: What are the alternatives to Great River Energy Coal Creek?

Answer: There are a number of alternatives to Great River Energy Coal Creek, including renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. These alternatives are becoming increasingly affordable and reliable, and they could eventually replace coal-fired power plants like Coal Creek.

Question 5: What is Great River Energy doing to reduce the environmental impact of Coal Creek?

Answer: Great River Energy has invested in pollution control equipment and has switched to a lower-sulfur coal in order to reduce the plant's environmental impact. The company is also exploring the use of carbon capture and storage technology, which could further reduce the plant's emissions.

Question 6: What is the social impact of Great River Energy Coal Creek?

Answer: Great River Energy Coal Creek has a significant social impact on the surrounding communities. The plant provides jobs and supports local businesses. However, the plant also has a negative impact on the health of local residents due to its air pollution emissions.

These FAQs provide a brief overview of some of the key issues surrounding Great River Energy Coal Creek. The plant is a major source of electricity for the Upper Midwest, but it also has a significant environmental and social impact. The future of the plant is uncertain, but it is likely to face increasing pressure to reduce its emissions in the coming years.

Summary: Great River Energy Coal Creek is a major coal-fired power plant in North Dakota. The plant has a significant environmental and social impact, but it also provides important economic benefits to the surrounding communities. The future of the plant is uncertain, but it is likely to face increasing pressure to reduce its emissions in the coming years.

Transition to Next Section: For more information on Great River Energy Coal Creek, please visit the plant's website or contact the company's media relations department.

Tips on Reducing the Environmental Impact of Coal-Fired Power Plants

Coal-fired power plants are a major source of air pollution, but there are a number of things that can be done to reduce their environmental impact. Here are five tips:

7. Summary of Key Takeaways

8. Transition to Article's Conclusion

Conclusion

Great River Energy Coal Creek is a major coal-fired power plant in North Dakota. The plant has a significant environmental and social impact, but it also provides important economic benefits to the surrounding communities. The future of the plant is uncertain, but it is likely to face increasing pressure to reduce its emissions in the coming years.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the environmental impact of coal-fired power plants. Great River Energy Coal Creek has invested in pollution control equipment and has switched to a lower-sulfur coal. The company is also exploring the use of carbon capture and storage technology. By implementing these and other measures, coal-fired power plants can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

Coal-fired power plants will likely continue to play a role in the energy mix for the foreseeable future. However, it is important to reduce the environmental impact of these plants as much as possible. By investing in pollution control equipment and exploring new technologies, we can make coal-fired power plants cleaner and more sustainable.