Coal power may not be everyone's favorite source of energy - especially these days, but where there are operating plants, coal remains an important source of electricity in places like Wyoming. With more modern technology, they aren't anywhere near as polluting as they once were. However, the release of carbon dioxide remains a grave concern - and one that will force places like this to change or close.
Dave Johnston is a major employer for the local area of Glenrock, so it is very important that the aging plant evolve to stay with the times. Currently, it is scheduled to close in 2027 with a loss of nearly 200 jobs (in a town of 2600 people, that's big!)
Other options being investigated for the future of coal plants include being able to reclaim and reuse the carbon currently being emitted (16,000 tons daily) in the nearby oil industry. In my mind, any method of reusing "waste" is a good idea - simply makes sense. Another option for the future is tapping into the hydrogen industry. A third option is to build an experimental nuclear power plant utilizing new (and supposedly safer) methods for a new generation of nuclear power. We'll see...
Go to this Only in Your State link to see a picture of this plant when it was first built in 1973 (as well as lots of other interesting Wyoming historical pictures.)
No matter what ends up happening, the future will greatly impact the local economy, so it's worth the fuss now.
Here is a view of the plant from across the North Platte river, back at the end of March.
Across the river, is a little park that provides a nice little picnic area as well as displaying some pieces of coal history including these rails and coal cars.
This old crane is such a simple machine, yet was probably worth its weight in gold as it helped lug trucks of coal around.
Unfortunately, thus far, I have been unable to find more information on the museum park, not even an official name for it. So, for now, just take it as a piece of the scenery to see in central Wyoming.
The North Platte River, looking downstream at the end of winter. (I go by nature, not by the calendar.) With it being as hot as it has been lately, with smoke from the western fires, I'm looking forward to the return of winter.
Photos taken by myself in March 2021 with my Samsung NX11.
Past issues of...
Wondrous Wyoming
Casper
Snowy Walk in Wyoming Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
January Walk Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3
Alcova
| Featuring Alcova Dam | Pathfinder Dam | and surrounding |
|---|---|---|
| Alcova Dam | Redbeds Near Alcova Dam | Fremont Canyon, part 1 |
| Fremont Canyon, part 2 | Pyramid Peak from Below Pathfinder | Below Pathfinder Dam with Flowers |
| Pathfinder Dam | Pathfinder Reservoir |
Flora/Fauna at Alcova - Arnica Angustifolia ,
Lander
| Featuring Lander | and | surrounding areas |
|---|---|---|
| Popo Agie River Demo - active v passive | Plants of the Popo Agie River - Arrowleaf Balsamroot | Lander Park |
| Popo Agie River Sinks | Popo Agie River Rises |
Glenrock & Rolling Hills
Along Deer Creek - Glenrock Town Park , Bridge Over Deer Creek ,
Douglas
Ayres Natural Bridge part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5 ; Plants of Ayres Natural Bridge part 1, part 2
Great Divide Basin and surrounding
| Featuring the Great Divide Basin | and | surrounding areas |
|---|---|---|
| Ferris Mountains | Independence Rock, March 2019 | Great Divide Sunset |
Rawlins
| Featuring Rawlins | and | surrounding areas |
|---|---|---|
| Street Art in Rawlins, March 2019 | Trainspotting in Rawlins, March 2019 | Ferris Mansion, Rawlins |
| Wyoming Frontier Prison | St. Joseph's Catholic Church |
Thermopolis
| Featuring Thermopolis | and | surrounding areas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind River Canyon May 2019 |
Thermopolis Mineral Hot Springs, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
Jackson, Tetons and Yellowstone
| Featuring Jackson Hole | the Tetons | Yellowstone, etc. |
|---|---|---|
| Glimpse of the Tetons |
The Tetons, part 1, part 2,
@daring-celt found herself inspired to create art based on my photos. Here is one of the Tetons - I think it's just gorgeous!
Kaycee and surrounding
Border crossings
Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
(Buy my work at RedBubble, TeePublic, PicFair and DeviantArt.)
verified author on Goodreads
(Buy my books at Books2Read and at LBRY)
