Rockport Generating Station
| Company type | Electricity generation facility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric power generation |
| Founded | December 1984 |
| Headquarters | Ohio Township, Spencer County , United States |
Area served | Indiana, United States |
Key people | Indiana Michigan Power (operator), American Electric Power (parent company) |
| Products | Electricity |
| Parent | American Electric Power |
Rockport Generating Station is a coal-powered electricity facility situated on the banks of the Ohio River within Ohio Township, Spencer County, Indiana, in close proximity to Rockport, Indiana. Located near the William H. Natcher Bridge along U.S. Route 231, the station is managed by Indiana Michigan Power, a division of American Electric Power.
History
The plant comprises two identical 1,300 MW non-cyclonic units manufactured by Babcock & Wilcox, which were brought online in December 1984 and December 1988 respectively, making them among the largest coal-fired units ever constructed. It is linked to the electrical grid through 765 kV transmission lines, representing the highest voltage level utilized within the United States. The facility boasts Indiana’s tallest smokestack and ranks as one of the tallest chimneys worldwide with a height of .
Coal supply
Coal shipments arrive at the station via barge transportation along the Ohio River. The plant's annual coal consumption exceeds seven million short tons. To optimize expenses, AEP declared in February 2018 that Rockport would exclusively procure coal from Wyoming’s Powder River Basin.
Retirement
In July 2019, AEP revealed plans to retire Unit 1 of Rockport by the conclusion of 2028, following an agreement involving the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), northeastern states, and environmental organizations. This arrangement allows AEP to fulfill emission reduction goals without investing in expensive pollution control technology. Subsequently, in April 2021, AEP confirmed that Unit 2 is also scheduled for retirement by the end of 2028.
See also
- List of largest power stations in the United States
- List of power stations in Indiana
- List of tallest chimneys in the world