Climate Changed
Half of All U.S. Coal Plants Would Lose Money Without Regulation
- Many coal plants kept open to ensure grid reliabilty: BNEF
- ‘Plants persist even when they cost more to run than replace’
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It’s long been clear that U.S. coal plants are struggling. A study released Monday shows how much -- concluding that barely half earned enough revenue last year to cover their operating expenses.
Power grids may face “massive” upheaval as more uneconomic plants close, according to the report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. The problem is particularly bad in Florida, Georgia and elsewhere in the Southeast, where the distance from major coal mines drives up prices. The study examined the monthly economic performance of every U.S. coal plant in operation since 2012.