A.B. Brown Power Plant

The A.B. Brown Power Plant, located in Mount Vernon, Indiana, is a coal-fired power plant owned and operated by Indiana Michigan Power, a subsidiary of American Electric Power. The plant consists of two units, A.B. Brown Unit 1 and A.B. Brown Unit 2, which have a combined capacity of 1,300 megawatts.

History

Construction of the A.B. Brown Power Plant began in 1969 and was completed in 1986. The plant was named after A.B. Brown, who was a former president of Indiana Michigan Power. The construction of the plant was a joint effort between Indiana Michigan Power and the Southern Indiana Gas & Electric Company.

Operations

The A.B. Brown Power Plant is a major source of electricity in the Midwest, providing power to approximately 1.5 million customers in Indiana and Michigan. The plant is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to reduce emissions, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

The plant uses coal as its primary fuel source, which is transported to the plant via a network of railroad tracks. Once the coal arrives at the plant, it is crushed into a fine powder and then burned in the boilers to produce steam. The steam is then used to turn turbines, which generate electricity.

Environmental Impact

Despite the improvements in technology to reduce emissions, the A.B. Brown Power Plant has been a subject of controversy due to its environmental impact. The plant is one of the largest sources of air pollution in the state of Indiana, emitting millions of tons of greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants annually.

Several environmental groups have called for the closure of the plant, citing the negative impact it has on public health and the environment. Indiana Michigan Power has responded by investing in new technologies, including the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, to reduce the plant's environmental impact.

Conclusion

The A.B. Brown Power Plant has been a key source of electricity in the Midwest for several decades, providing power to millions of customers in Indiana and Michigan. Despite its environmental impact, the plant has been working to reduce emissions and invest in clean energy sources to meet the demand for electricity while also protecting public health and the environment.