The Department of Environmental Protection is considering or approved 43 applications for natural gas-fired power plants* since January 2014 totaling 17,140 megawatts of electric generation capacity. 

That capacity could entirely replace the 12,683 megawatts of coal-fired electric generation capacity now in Pennsylvania.

In the last 10 years, there has been a 40 percent reduction in coal-fired power plant generation capacity in Pennsylvania-- 8,467 megawatts.  (see table)

Existing Installed Electric Power Generation In PA

*DEP Response To Right To Know Request August 11, 2016

** PUC 2006 Electric Power Outlook Report

*** PUC 2016 Electric Power Outlook Report

While the actual, installed natural gas-fired generation capacity has only grown by 5.1 percent-- 487 megawatts-- over the last 10 years, the projects approved by DEP-- 17,140 megawatts and those in the PJM queue-- 21,906 megawatts-- would remake Pennsylvania electric generation landscape.

The 2016 PUC Electric Power Outlook Report said new, proposed  electric generation in the queue for active study by PJM (which means they may or may not be constructed) as of December 31, 2015 in Pennsylvania included: Natural Gas- 21,906 MW; Coal- 1,590 MW; Wind- 145 MW; Solar- 41 MW; Hydroelectric- 40 MW; Methane- 18 MW; Wood- 16 MW; and Diesel- 6 MW.

(Photo: Panda Liberty Power Project, Bradford County.)

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10/3/2016