The plant consists of four coal-fired generating units constructed on a compact site bounded by U.S. Highway 42 to the south and the Ohio River to the north.
All of Ghent's generating units comply with local, state and federal air, water, and waste regulations, and construction is underway to further enhance environmental performance.
The largest coal-fired power plant in the LG&E and KU system, Ghent Generating Station began commercial operation in 1973. Its four units have a net generating capacity of 1,919 megawatts.
Ghent is one of the most environmentally sound and technologically advanced coal-fired generating plants in the nation. Each of its units can produce enough electricity to light nearly 5 million 100-watt light bulbs while complying with the most stringent federal and state air, water and waste regulations. The station consumes an average of 5.5 million tons of coal annually.
Each of the generating units is equipped with electrostatic precipitators designed to remove dust from the gas stream that results from burning coal. A network of monitoring systems on the three chimneys measures air quality to ensure compliance with environmental protection standards.
The Ghent Generating Station is looked upon as an international leader among utilities.
Recognized as a low-cost electricity producer, Ghent plays host to a number of utility professionals from around the world. Representatives from China, Russia, South Africa and other countries have visited the plant to learn the secret to low-cost power production.
These visitors find that efficient management can run the station with about 200 employees, achieving maximum production with minimal waste.
Modern emission controls
We are committed to protecting the environment and preserving the Earth's resources. We continue to balance future energy needs with sound environmental policy, and educate our customers about responsible energy use.
A $600 million FGD installation at Ghent Station has resulted in all four units being equipped with FGDs.
Now, Units 1, 3 and 4 are equipped with a single-module FGD. Unit 3's FGD equipment went into service in May 2007. Unit 4's FGD equipment went into service in June 2008, and Unit 1 was switched over to its new FGD in February 2009.
Unit 2 was then connected to the original Unit 1 FGD, to make all units on FGDs in May 2009. New 662-foot chimneys were constructed for Units 1 and 4 in conjunction with the FGD projects.
A new limestone system was also installed in 2008. It includes new barge-unloading, storage and reclaim systems and three large grinding mills. The existing grinding system that was installed in 1994 for Unit 1 was removed, refurbished and shipped to the E.W. Brown Generating Station for use on its FGD.
In your community
An important part of the company's mission is to positively impact the communities in which it does business by supporting education, community outreach, environmental stewardship and the arts. Employees and contracted employees of Ghent have a long tradition of volunteer service, community involvement and support of local charities. These and similar efforts contribute to the well-being and success of the communities in which we work and live, and reinforce LG&E and KU's commitment to be both an employer of choice and a good corporate citizen.
Some of the local organizations and charitable causes our Ghent employees are proud to support include:
- Adopt-A-Highway
- Riversweep
- Day of Caring
- Repair Affair
- Local Boat Ramp Cleanup
- Ohio Valley United Charities
- Back-to-School Supply Drive Program
- School Tours
- Career Day
