Economic Growth Prompts Electric Power Needs

By Michael J Ross , Senior Analyst According to the best available estimates, total U.S. installed electric generating capacity grew from about 578 GW (578,000 MW) in 1980 to roughly 905 GW (905,000 MW) by 2000. That is an increase of about 327,000 MW. Much of the capacity added during the 1980s was coal and nuclear, while natural gas additions accelerated in the 1990s. Meeting Future Demand U.S. coal-fired generating units have an average age of about 45 years, and coal units that retire typically do so after about 50 years of service. Typical industry averages vary by technology: Coal: ~45 to 50 years Natural gas: ~30 to 35 years Nuclear: 40 to 60+ years with license renewals Hydroelectric: often 50 to 100+ years with refurbishments So, for the large fleet of conventional plants built in the 1980s and 1990s, a rough overall average replacement age would be.... Read More…