Coal Stations Among the Nation's Most Efficient
Duke Energy’s Marshall and Belews Creek steam stations took the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, respectively, in the list of the most efficient stations in the United States. The 2004 operating rankings are based on the annual analysis by Electric Light and Power, a utility industry publication.
Duke Energy’s coal plants have been among the top in the nation since the national efficiency rankings began in 1965. In the 2003 ranking, which came out last year, Marshall ranked No. 1 and Belews Creek ranked No. 5 in efficiency.
Efficiency at a coal station is measured by how well it converts the heat energy from coal into electricity. The more efficient the station, the less coal it needs to produce each kilowatt-hour of electricity.
Quick Facts:
Marshall Steam Station is a four-unit coal-fired plant in Catawba County, N.C. The second-largest coal facility owned by Duke Energy in the Carolinas, it has 2,090 megawatts of capacity and generates enough electricity to power approximately two million homes. Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1965. In 2004, Duke Energy began installation of flue gas desulfurization (scrubber) equipment. This equipment will lower sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 90 percent. The project is scheduled for completion in 2007.
Belews Creek Steam Station is a two-unit 2,240 megawatt station located in Stokes County, N.C. It is the largest coal facility owned by Duke Energy in the Carolinas. Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1974 and unit 2 began operating in 1975. In February 2004, Duke Energy completed a selective catalytic reduction project at Belews Creek that will reduce the power plant’s nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 80 percent. In 2005, Duke Energy broke ground on a project at Belews Creek that will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 95 percent. The project is scheduled for completion in 2008.
