Coal-Fired Power Plant History in the U.S.
Werner von Siemens, a German electrical engineer, introduced the first dynamo with the capacity for power generation in 1866 which would lead to the development of coal-fired power plants (ASME Digital Collection). The evolution of the dynamo into stronger power generation systems was led by Thomas Edison, Charles Brush and Werner von Siemens.
About 15 years later in 1882, Thomas Edison constructed the first commercial central power station in the U.S. located at Pearl Street Station Financial District in Manhattan, New York. The coal-fired steam generators utilized at the power plant station created low-pressure saturated or superheated steam for the steam engines powering the direct current (DC) dynamos. The original Edison DC, low voltage system design limited the transmission distance capabilities from power plants to its end-point use for electric power (UTA Energy Institute). The power that was generated only reached a range of a few miles from the plant for consumption. However, technological progresses were soon conjured therefore extending the reach and scale of power generation.
Monumental Power Generation Advancements in the U.S.
Nikola Tesla was the mastermind behind the alternating current (AC) electricity which came to be a significant technological advancement for the industry. It was during the famous 1896 “power wars” that Westinghouse Electric, who had Nikola Tesla onboard, presented the U.S. with AC electricity which extended dozens of miles, and today thousands of miles, from the point of electric load (UTA Energy Institute).
Tesla created a way for larger central power stations that could have remote locations due to the fact that AC power could be efficiently transformed and sent utilizing high-voltage transmission lines (ASME Digital Collection). The ability to transmit high voltages and low currents is what made the shift from DC to AC electricity immensely monumental. AC electricity significantly reduced the power losses seen in DC systems which ultimately led to the decrease of the unit cost of electricity making it more affordable for even more of the general population.
The 20th century brought with it power plants featuring coal-fired steam generators along with economizers, evaporators and superheater sections to produce superheated steam for a condensing turbine (ASME Digital Collection). The DC-to-AC transition led to decades of technological evolution bringing society to the current traditional electricity model which is large scale centralized generation of AC electricity through transmission and distribution lines to consumers (UTA Energy Institute). High voltage AC transmission is the main form used for power generation, but high voltage DC transmission is still utilized for long distance connections to transfer large quantities of power with greater stability. This past century, large centralized power plant technologies have pushed for vertical integration which has driven down the price of electricity, facilitated universal access and produced dependable electric services to different regions.
What is the U.S. Coal Fleet Outlook in the 21st Century?
Now in the 21st century, the coal-fired power plant outlook is seeing a sharp and unsurprising decline. The last decade has seen a stark drop in power generation by the American coal fleet. The U.S. saw its lowest production in 2019 from coal-burning power plants in 43 years as documented by the federal Energy Information Administration (EIA). Compared to 2018, it was a 16 percent decline in coal-fired power generation making it the largest percentage decline in history. According to the U.S. EIA, in 2010 coal-fired power generation stations supplied about 50 percent of the country’s electricity, whereas 2019 showed that only a quarter was produced nationally. The year 2019 saw more coal power plants close since 2015, despite Donald Trump’s agenda to support the coal industry.
Coal-burning power plants decommissions continue to be seen on the power grid because the competition originates from cheaper, cleaner energy sources. Gas, solar and wind energy are a few of the more sustainable energy alternatives driving out coal. In 2019, natural gas combined-cycle turbine (CCGT) plants were running at 57 percent capacity, utility-scale wind turbines were ran at approximately 35 percent and coal-fired capacity factors were at about 48 percent (compared to 67 percent in 2010), according to EIA reports. The LA Times noted that even though some energy providers are investing in gas, many are looking to giant batteries to replace coal plants in addition to solar farms and wind turbines.
Advances in technology and customers asking to work with partners with carbon reduction goals is encouraging numerous utility companies to accelerate their carbon-cutting timeline. Clients are calling for 100% renewable electricity - no one has ever called asking about 100% coal electricity. Additionally, the general public’s growing alarm over the coal contribution to climate change has also played a role in coal-burning power plants closures.
2020: Only 20 Coal-Burning Power Plants Left in the U.S.
The Sierra Club, the most influential grassroots environmental organization in the U.S., documented that only 20 coal power plants in the continental West have not committed to fully retiring. In contrast, a total of 49 coal-burning power stations have either shut down or are on track for demolition since 2010. With all the economic, political and environmental forces pushing for the extinction of coal fleets in the U.S., what is keeping these 20 coal-fired power plants in play?
Fossil-Fuel Friendly Politicians Maintain U.S. Coal Fleet in Action
A little more than 50 percent of the coal plants with no decommission dates are located in Wyoming, Utah and Montana. These are states that house fossil fuel-friendly politicians with minimal or non-existent regulations requiring cleaner energy production and usage. The LA Times covered commentary from the director of the Center for Energy Economics and Public Policy at the University of Wyoming, Robert Godby, who said that a number of the power plants in these states were built recently and have access to extremely cheap coal from the Powder River Basin. As a result, continuing to operate them is actually less expensive than transitioning to renewable power. Since the plants in these states have not been given the firm-hand motivation that comes from state lawmakers or the federal government, there is still no compelling notion for considering coal-fired power plant retirements.
Energy Industry Concerns With Complete Retirement of Coal Plants
Another reason that coal-burning power plants are holding out on shutdowns is due to a concern about reliability. Power grid managers are worried that if coal and gas are wiped out entirely, there may not be sufficient electricity “when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing and there is ice on the rivers,” quoted the LA Times. As seen in the West, there have not been any black outs due to electricity loss. The state of California has almost entirely eliminated coal and has plans to quit gas next on its agenda. However, regulators are warning that potential electric shortages may ensue in coming years if gas plants are decommissioned too soon. Other states on the west coast of the country are following California’s lead by setting renewable energy objectives. Reliable power is a primary consideration for why the existing coal power plants with no retirements dates are still generating away.
How Can Phoenix Help Keep Coal-Fired Power Plants Online?
With the various challenges mentioned above that face the coal power plant industry these days, Phoenix is here to take things off of this industry’s growing list of concerns! Phoenix expertise is designed to keep power plants online by performing high temperature repair & maintenance, thus avoiding an unexpected shutdown and the loss of revenue. An un-exhaustive list of services we provide includes SCR vacuuming, deslagging screens, balancing ID and FD fans, fixing leaks in boiler penthouses, removing fly ash from hoppers and replacing valves.
When partnering with Phoenix, you communicate your goals and requirements, which allows us to perform a thorough repair and restore the plant to its maximum efficiency, in record time. Our power plant procedural operations start by collecting solid evidence of a possible breakdown or equipment malfunction. Phoenix works with you to identify areas of concern, evaluate severity and recommend any necessary repair work so your facility can continue operating at full capacity. We understand that the ever-evolving energy industry is threatening coal-fired power plants across the country. Phoenix wants the 20 remaining coal-burning power plants to know that we work around the clock to ensure your facilities stay online. We are on call 24/7 and can deploy to your plant within 24 hours.
