Articles tagged with "coal-power"
Fighting Back: Utilities Challenge Coal Power Plant Emergency
The article discusses the controversy surrounding the U.S. Department of Energy's emergency orders to keep aging coal power plants operational, despite the declining role of coal in U.S. power generation. Since the early 2000s, coal's share has dropped significantly, with natural gas and renewables like wind and solar gaining prominence. By 2023, coal accounted for only 19% of U.S. power generation, while renewables reached 21%, with projections indicating further growth in renewable energy. Utilities have been planning the retirement of old coal plants, including the Craig Unit 1 plant in Colorado, co-owned by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and Platte River Power Authority, which was scheduled to retire at the end of 2025. However, just before the planned retirement, the two utilities received an emergency order to keep the coal plant running for an additional 90 days. Both utilities, which are member-owned rural cooperatives, have pushed back, requesting a hearing and relief from the order
energycoal-powerrenewable-energyutilitiespower-generationenergy-policyenergy-emergencyColorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Utilities Intervene Against Craig 202(c) Order - CleanTechnica
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, along with Colorado utilities Tri-State Generation and Transmission and Platte River Power Authority (PRPA), have filed requests for reconsideration against the Trump administration’s 202(c) order aimed at keeping the Craig 1 coal unit operational. They argue that the federal government’s intervention violates multiple laws and lacks justification, particularly noting the absence of any energy emergency since Colorado’s power grid remains stable and reliable. This legal pushback follows the Trump EPA’s recent denial of Colorado’s Regional Haze plan, which was seen as an attempt to artificially extend the life of coal plants. Environmental groups like the Sierra Club have praised Attorney General Weiser and the utilities for opposing the order, highlighting concerns that it threatens air quality, raises electricity prices, and offers no public benefit. The Sierra Club emphasizes the broad coalition of utilities, environmentalists, and officials united against the Trump administration’s efforts to support coal plants through executive actions. This resistance reflects ongoing efforts to promote clean energy and protect environmental and
energycoal-powerutilitiesenergy-gridenvironmental-policyelectricity-pricesclean-energy-advocacyGroups Challenge Trump Administration's Illegal Craig Coal Plant Extension - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a legal challenge by several public interest groups—including Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Earthjustice, GreenLatinos, Vote Solar, and Public Citizen—against the Trump administration’s Department of Energy (DOE) emergency order that extended the operation of Unit 1 at Colorado’s Craig Station coal plant. The unit was scheduled to retire on December 31, 2019, but the DOE’s December 30 order forced it to remain operational for 90 days, potentially longer, under regional grid authority direction. The groups argue that the order is illegal, unnecessary, and harmful, as it was not requested by the plant’s co-owners or state regulators, who support the retirement for economic and environmental reasons. They contend the order will increase utility bills, worsen air quality, and undermine years of careful state planning for a transition away from coal. The challengers emphasize that there is no actual energy emergency justifying the DOE’s action, which they describe as political interference favoring coal
energycoal-powerDepartment-of-Energypower-plant-extensionenvironmental-impactenergy-policygrid-reliabilityIndia Poised To Become World's First Electrostate? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses India's emerging role as a potential global leader in clean energy, contrasting its development path with that of China. Historically, China’s rapid industrialization was powered predominantly by coal-fired electricity, which fueled its economic boom but resulted in severe environmental pollution. Despite becoming a leader in renewable energy technologies, China still relies heavily on coal. Meanwhile, China’s population is now shrinking, while India’s population is growing and poised to surpass China’s soon. India is currently at an economic stage similar to where China was two decades ago but is choosing a different energy trajectory. According to a recent Ember report, India is leveraging cheap solar power and battery technology to expand its electricity generation without heavily relying on fossil fuels. Solar energy’s share in India’s electricity mix has grown from 0.5% in 2012 to 9% in 2025, and coal use per capita remains significantly lower than China’s was at a comparable stage. Additionally, India leads globally in electric vehicle
energyrenewable-energysolar-powerbatterieselectricity-generationcoal-powerIndia-energy-transitionTrump Redirects Pollution-Control Funding to Prop Up More Polluting Coal Plants - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica reports that the Trump administration has redirected pollution-control funding to support coal plants that are more polluting and expensive to operate. This move is seen as an effort to prop up the coal industry despite its environmental and health consequences. The Sierra Club, through its Beyond Coal Campaign Director Laurie Williams, strongly criticized the decision, stating that it prioritizes fossil fuel industry profits over the health and wellbeing of Americans. Williams emphasized that the administration’s actions, including removing health considerations from rulemaking and cutting pollution-control funding, will lead to dirtier air, unsafe drinking water, increased illness, and premature deaths. The Sierra Club, highlighted in the article, is a major environmental organization focused on promoting clean energy, protecting public health, and preserving natural habitats through activism, education, and legal efforts. The article underscores the tension between environmental advocacy groups and the Trump administration’s policies favoring fossil fuels, particularly coal, at the expense of environmental and public health protections.
energycoal-powerpollution-controlfossil-fuelsclean-energyenvironmental-policyair-qualityCoal-Powered Thermal Generation Declines In China & India, But Surges In US - CleanTechnica
The article reports a significant decline in coal-powered electricity generation in both China and India in 2025, marking the first simultaneous reduction in over fifty years. Coal-generated electricity fell by 1.6% (58 TWh) in China and 3% (57 TWh) in India, largely due to increased renewable energy production, particularly solar power, which more than met rising electricity demand. This shift is notable because China and India’s power sectors accounted for 93% of the global rise in carbon dioxide emissions from 2015 to 2024. The decline in coal use in these countries could signal a historic turning point toward peaking coal-fired power and potentially curbing global emissions, provided both nations sustain renewable energy growth and address challenges such as grid flexibility and the continued addition of new coal capacity. However, challenges remain: China and India are still constructing new coal-fired plants that could increase coal capacity by 28% and 23%, respectively, potentially raising operational costs due to lower
energycoal-powerrenewable-energysolar-powerelectricity-generationChina-energy-policyIndia-energy-transitionSierra Club Nebraska Statement on Forced Outage at Aging OPPD Coal Plant - CleanTechnica
The Sierra Club Nebraska has expressed strong concerns following a forced outage at the Omaha Public Power District’s (OPPD) North Omaha coal plant due to a steam tube failure. This incident led to one of the plant’s two remaining coal units being taken offline. The outage highlights ongoing reliability, health, and safety issues at the facility, which is over 60 years old—significantly exceeding the average coal plant lifespan of about 40 years. This event comes shortly after the OPPD board voted to extend the operational life of the aging coal plant, a decision the Sierra Club criticizes as misguided and costly. Ken Winston, Director of Sierra Club Nebraska, emphasized that the North Omaha coal plant is overdue for retirement, pointing out that the recent failure undermines arguments for continuing to operate such outdated and unreliable coal units. He likened the plant’s condition to a 60-year-old car, stressing that it is neither safe nor affordable to keep it running. Winston advocates for transitioning to affordable, clean
energycoal-powerpower-plant-outageclean-energyenergy-reliabilitySierra-Clubenergy-transitionDonald Trump Illegally Extends Life of the Coal-Fired Craig Unit 1, Driving Up Electricity Bills and Increasing Pollution - CleanTechnica
The article reports that the Trump administration has controversially used an emergency order under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act—historically reserved for extreme weather or wartime situations—to extend the operation of aging and costly coal-fired power plants, including Craig Unit 1 in Colorado. This move forces these plants to remain online past their planned retirement dates, resulting in increased electricity bills and higher pollution levels. Similar extensions have been applied to other plants such as the J.H. Campbell plant in Michigan and the Eddystone power plant, with the Campbell extension reportedly costing hundreds of millions of dollars. Environmental groups, notably the Sierra Club, strongly oppose these orders, arguing that they prioritize coal industry profits over public interest and clean energy goals. Sierra Club leaders emphasize that the extensions unfairly burden consumers, especially those already facing financial hardships, by raising utility costs and perpetuating reliance on dirty, expensive coal power. They have taken legal action, including appeals to the D.C. Court of Appeals, challenging the
energycoal-powerelectricity-billsenergy-policypower-plantsenvironmental-impactclean-energy-advocacySierra Club Nebraska Reacts to OPPD Extending Life of Aging Coal Plant - CleanTechnica
The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) board has voted to extend the operation of the aging North Omaha Station, a coal-fired power plant with a history of reliability problems and significant health impacts on the North Omaha community. This decision reverses a 2014 commitment to retire the plant and move away from coal. The plant’s continued operation disproportionately affects North Omaha, a historically Black neighborhood, exposing residents to harmful air pollution linked to high asthma rates and other health issues. Health experts, including Douglas County Health Director Lindsay Huse, have highlighted the detrimental health consequences and environmental injustices caused by ongoing coal burning. In response, Ken Winston, director of Sierra Club Nebraska, condemned OPPD’s decision as a violation of its environmental justice policy and a threat to vulnerable communities. The Sierra Club has actively campaigned for nearly 15 years to retire the plant and transition to clean energy alternatives such as demand-side management and distributed energy resources. Winston emphasized that the only beneficiaries of keeping the coal plant operational
energycoal-powerclean-energy-transitionenvironmental-justiceair-pollutionrenewable-energypower-plant-retirementCoal for Christmas: Local Advocacy Groups Deliver Coal, Protest Letters to JEA - CleanTechnica
Local advocacy and climate groups in Jacksonville, Florida—including Sierra Club Florida, CLEO Institute, NAACP, and St. John’s Riverkeepers—delivered coal and protest letters to Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) headquarters to oppose the continued operation of the Northside Generating Station coal plant and rising utility rates. They highlighted that retiring the coal units could save customers at least $20 million annually, potentially up to $60 million if fossil fuel prices remain high, while significantly improving public health by reducing harmful emissions. The groups urged JEA to prioritize cleaner air, lower bills, and a stronger commitment to renewable energy, especially as JEA prepares to release its 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which will shape future energy sourcing. Speakers from the advocacy groups emphasized the financial and health burdens coal imposes on local families, particularly amid a housing crisis, and criticized JEA’s plans to build an expensive gas plant that would worsen energy affordability. They advocated for solar energy as a cost
energycoal-powerrenewable-energyenergy-affordabilitysolar-energyutility-ratesenvironmental-advocacyDonald Trump Illegally Extends Life of Centralia Generating Station Coal Plant, Driving Up Electricity Bills - CleanTechnica
The article reports that the Trump administration has illegally extended the operational life of the Centralia Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant in Washington, by issuing emergency orders that force it to remain online beyond its planned retirement. This action follows similar extensions for the J.H. Campbell plant in Michigan and the Eddystone power plant in Pennsylvania, which have collectively cost ratepayers an estimated $128 million since May. Keeping Centralia online is projected to cost an additional $65 million annually, according to Grid Strategies. Environmental groups, particularly the Sierra Club, are actively challenging these emergency orders in court, arguing that there is no legitimate energy emergency in the Pacific Northwest to justify prolonging the operation of an outdated and polluting coal plant. Sierra Club representatives emphasize that shutting down Centralia would reduce electricity costs and improve air quality, while the Trump administration’s actions are seen as an abuse of emergency powers aimed at propping up the coal industry at the expense of public health and consumer finances. The Sierra Club
energycoal-powerelectricity-billsfossil-fuelsclean-energyenvironmental-policyenergy-regulationOPPD Proposes Extending Life of Dangerous Coal Plant - CleanTechnica
The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) has proposed a resolution to extend the operation of the North Omaha coal power plant, reversing previous commitments made since 2014 to retire the facility. This proposal, set for a board vote on December 18, has raised concerns among local environmental and health advocates, notably the Sierra Club Nebraska Chapter. The group urges OPPD to honor its earlier promises to retire or refuel the plant, highlighting the significant health risks and environmental damage caused by continued coal burning, including the emission of over 1.6 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. The Sierra Club criticizes OPPD’s decision to commission a study from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a utility consulting firm, arguing that such firms are not suited to provide accurate health impact data. Instead, they advocate for clean energy alternatives to meet peak demand, such as energy efficiency programs, incentives for distributed generation, and battery storage investments. The Sierra Club emphasizes that retiring the coal plant aligns with
energycoal-powerclean-energybattery-storagedistributed-generationgreenhouse-gasesenvironmental-impactCenterPoint Energy Announces Costly Intention to Backtrack on Coal Retirements, Keeping Expensive Culley Plant Online Past 2027 - CleanTechnica
CenterPoint Energy has announced plans to reverse its previous commitment to retire all coal plants by 2027, specifically intending to keep the aging Culley Unit 3 coal plant operational beyond that date. The utility acknowledged that coal plants, including Culley, struggle to compete with renewable and gas energy on short-term costs and suffer from increased maintenance and frequent outages due to their outdated design. Despite studies indicating that retiring Culley Unit 3 would be the lowest-cost option, CenterPoint did not consider retirement before 2032, raising concerns about higher costs and reliability risks for customers. Environmental advocates, including Nicole Chandler of Southwest Indiana Beyond Coal, criticized CenterPoint’s decision, highlighting the plant’s age, unreliability, and high maintenance costs. They argue that extending Culley’s operation contradicts the promise to transition to cleaner, more affordable energy sources like solar and wind. The Sierra Club, a prominent environmental organization, supports efforts to move away from coal to protect community health and promote sustainable energy solutions.
energycoal-powerrenewable-energypower-plant-maintenanceenergy-policyclean-energy-transitionutility-billsCoal Is Linked To Cancer, Not Wind Power - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the significant health risks associated with coal power, emphasizing its strong links to cancer and other serious diseases. Research from Duke University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that coal pollution contributes to premature deaths, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and developmental disorders, with lung cancer risk increasing in populations relying heavily on coal-fired power plants. Coal miners face even greater dangers, with markedly higher mortality rates from respiratory diseases like black lung and COPD, particularly in Central Appalachian states. Additionally, coal combustion produces coal ash containing hazardous substances such as radium, which poses a cancer risk up to 35 times higher than previously understood. Despite these dangers, coal ash is still used in construction and road projects, raising concerns about public exposure. The article also contrasts coal's well-documented harms with the unfounded claims made by former President Donald Trump regarding wind power. Trump has disparaged wind energy as a "con job" and falsely accused wind turbines of harming humans and whales
energycoal-powercoal-ashcancer-riskfossil-fuelsair-pollutionpublic-healthZimbabwe Looks To IPPs & Rural Minigrids To Plug Electricity Generation Shortages & Increase Access To Electricity - CleanTechnica
The Zimbabwe Electricity Regulatory Authority (ZERA) released its 2024 annual report highlighting ongoing challenges and efforts in the country’s electricity sector. Zimbabwe continues to face a significant supply-demand gap, with an average available capacity of 1,300 MW against a demand of 1,700 MW. Key issues include low water levels at the Kariba hydroelectric plant, which forced generation cuts to about 300 MW for most of the year, and frequent breakdowns at aging coal-fired units at Hwange Power Station. Although two new 300 MW coal units (Hwange units 7 & 8) were commissioned at a cost of US$1.5 billion, electricity rationing persists, underscoring the urgent need to boost generation capacity. To address these shortages and increase access to electricity, ZERA is actively promoting the involvement of independent power producers (IPPs) and the development of rural minigrids. In 2024, ZERA issued 20 new electricity licenses, including
energyelectricity-generationrenewable-energycoal-powerhydropowerindependent-power-producersenergy-accessMost of the Planned Coal Capacity Retirements Are in the Midwest or Mid-Atlantic Regions - CleanTechnica
As of May 2025, U.S. coal-fired power plants have a total operating capacity of 172 gigawatts (GW), which is projected to decline to 145 GW by the end of 2028. Notably, 58% of the planned coal capacity retirements are concentrated in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. This trend reflects ongoing shifts in the energy sector, driven by increased competition from natural gas and renewable energy sources, as well as stricter environmental regulations that require coal plants to install pollution control equipment, modify operations, or cease functioning altogether. The retirement plans reported by power plant operators remain subject to change due to evolving policies and market conditions. For instance, Talen Energy postponed the retirement of its Brandon Shores coal plant in Maryland from June 2025 to 2029, and the U.S. Department of Energy recently delayed the retirement of Consumers Energy’s J.H. Campbell plant in Michigan. Regulatory uncertainty persists, particularly regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
energycoal-powerpower-plant-retirementU.S.-Energy-Information-Administrationenvironmental-regulationsemissions-standardsrenewable-energy-competitionThe US Solar Energy Whack-A-Mole Continues
The article discusses the challenges and ongoing developments in the US solar energy sector amid shifting federal energy policies that threaten to hinder growth. Despite political obstacles, energy consumers continue to adopt cost-effective and abundant solar solutions, exemplified by a new concentrating solar power (CSP) project in California. This project, a partnership between GlassPoint and Searles Valley Minerals (SVM), aims to replace the last two coal power plants in California by providing reliable, round-the-clock clean power. The initiative is notable not only for its environmental benefits but also for supporting local jobs, reducing costs, and securing domestic supply chains for critical minerals like boron, which SVM will uniquely produce in the US after Rio Tinto Borates winds down operations. GlassPoint specializes in CSP technology that uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight to generate thermal energy, producing steam for industrial processes rather than electricity directly. This approach targets a $444 billion industrial process heat market, with strong global demand from sectors such as metals, mining, and oil
energysolar-energyconcentrating-solar-powerclean-energycoal-powerindustrial-process-heatcritical-materialsEnergy Department Orders Michigan Coal Generating Station To Remain Open - CleanTechnica
The U.S. Energy Department, led by Chris Wright, issued an emergency order mandating that the 63-year-old J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Michigan remain operational for at least 90 days, overriding a previously approved decommissioning plan set by the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2022. The plant was scheduled to close as part of a transition plan that included replacing its capacity with a methane-fired power plant already purchased by Consumers Energy, the utility owner. Wright justified the order by citing concerns over potential electricity shortages in the Midwest during the summer due to insufficient baseload power from coal, gas, and nuclear plants. However, the Michigan PSC and the utility company stated they neither requested nor were consulted about the emergency order, highlighting a lack of coordination and transparency. The decision has drawn criticism for bypassing the usual regulatory process, which typically involves public comment and agency review, and for imposing significant financial burdens on consumers. Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan PSC, estimated that keeping the coal plant running could cost ratepayers across 15 states tens of millions of dollars, potentially nearing $100 million. The Energy Department defended the order by referencing longstanding warnings from grid operators about the risks of decommissioning baseload power sources but did not provide evidence of a cost-benefit analysis or acknowledge the existing replacement plan. Emergency orders of this nature are described as highly unusual, underscoring the controversial and unprecedented nature of this intervention.
energycoal-powerenergy-policypower-gridelectricity-generationfossil-fuelsenergy-department