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Select one of the numbered buttons to tour a portion of the plant, or take the grand tour. You will need Windows Media Player or QuickTime installed on your computer to view the tour.
 
Learn about the formation of coal. Learn how coal is mined and prepared for market. See how steam moves through and spins a series of turbines to create the pressure needed to power the generator. See how the coal enters the plant and begins the conversion to energy. Learn about the processes used to control regulated emissions. From the power plant to your home, follow a grand tour of the entire process used to activate something as basic as switching on a light. Learn about the water and steam systems used in the generation process.
About the Virtual Plant Tour
If you've ever wondered how the electricity you use in your home or office is created, this is the place to learn. A simple click of the mouse will take you on a guided tour of a coal-fueled power plant, from the comfort of your own chair. Start your tour by selecting any of the numbered icons to view specific operations and examine each phase at your own pace. Or simply select Grand Tour to view the phases of energy production from start to finish. Either way, you'll learn how supercritical technology allows boiler and turbine equipment to operate at extremely high temperatures and pressures, requiring less coal and resulting in fewer emissions for the same electrical output we depend on every day.

If you need clarification of some of the terms used in the tour, see our Glossary of Terms.

You must have either QuickTime or Windows Media Player installed on your computer to view the tour. If you do not have either of these, select a player, and you will automatically be redirected to the appropriate download site.
From the power plant to your home, follow a grand tour of the entire process used to activate something as basic as switching on a light. See how the coal enters the plant and begins the conversion to energy. See how the spent steam is converted and used over and over again in a continuous cycle. See how the fly ash leftover from the combustion process is captured and recycled for use in high-grade concrete. Watch the coal combust and heat water, creating steam to drive the massive turbines. See the series of turbines spin and create pressure needed to power the generator. Watch the coal move through the pulverizer. Watch energy transform into a useable and reliable product that touches everything in our lives.



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