How To Set Up Coal Generators In Satisfactory

If you’ve ever dreamt of building a factory so massive it feels like a city of its own, then Satisfactory is the game for you. This first-person factory-building simulator challenges players to manage resources efficiently while exploring an alien world. One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining your factory’s operations is power generation. As your factory grows, you’ll quickly outgrow the basic biomass burners and realize that coal generators are the key to sustainable and efficient power supply.

Coal power in Satisfactory marks a significant turning point, allowing you to automate energy production while scaling up operations. Unlike biomass burners, which require constant refueling, coal generators offer a more hands-free solution—so long as you set them up correctly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up coal generators, from finding the best coal node locations to creating a reliable and optimized system. By the end, you’ll have the tools to create the best coal generator setup, ensuring your factory runs like a well-oiled machine. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Coal Generators in Satisfactory

Coal generators are one of the most efficient power generation systems in Satisfactory. They serve as a major upgrade from the early-game biomass burners, which require constant manual refueling. Coal generators produce a steady supply of power by burning coal and using water as a coolant, ensuring continuous energy output to keep your factory running smoothly.

Key Advantages of Coal Generators:

Automation: Once set up, coal generators don’t require manual input, unlike biomass burners.
Higher Power Output: Each coal generator produces 75 MW of power, significantly more than biomass burners.
Scalability: You can connect multiple coal generators to the same supply line of coal and water to power larger factories.
Reliability: Coal nodes provide an infinite supply of coal, making them a sustainable energy source throughout your gameplay.

When Should You Transition to Coal Power?

Transitioning to coal power is a game-changing moment in Satisfactory. This step becomes available after unlocking the Coal Power milestone in Tier 3 via the HUB.

Ideal Timing for Transition:

After Unlocking Tier 3: You’ll gain access to essential equipment like coal generators, water extractors, pipelines, and pumps.
Factory Expansion: Transition when your factory’s power needs exceed the capacity of biomass burners, especially when automating complex production lines.
Resource Availability: Ensure you have access to a coal node and a water source before making the switch. Use the Object Scanner to locate coal nodes in nearby biomes like Grass Fields or Rocky Desert.

By transitioning at the right time, you can set up a sustainable power system that allows your factory to grow without constant interruptions for refueling or power shortages.

Prerequisites for Setting Up Coal Generators In Satisfactory

How to Set Up Coal Generators in Satisfactory | Easy Guide

Key Milestones to Unlock

To set up coal generators in Satisfactory, you need to unlock the Coal Power milestone in Tier 3 through the HUB. This milestone grants access to all the necessary components for creating a fully functional coal power setup.

Essential Unlocks in Coal Power Milestone:

Coal Generator: The heart of your power system.
Water Extractor: Used to supply water to the coal generators.
Pipelines and Pumps: For transporting and regulating water flow.
Conveyor Belts: For transporting coal to the generators.

Required Items to Unlock:
To complete the milestone, you’ll need:

Rotors
Reinforced Iron Plates
Modular Frames

Make sure to stockpile these materials before reaching Tier 3 to speed up the unlocking process.

Gathering Necessary Resources

Before setting up coal generators, you need to secure key resources: coal and water.

Finding Coal Nodes:

Use the Object Scanner to locate coal nodes in your vicinity.
Ideal locations for coal nodes are biomes like the Grass Fields, Rocky Desert, or Northern Forest.
Prioritize nodes near a water source for easier setup.

Importance of Water Sources:

Coal generators require a steady supply of water for cooling.
Locate water bodies like rivers, lakes, or waterfalls close to coal nodes to minimize pipeline length.
Ensure water sources are on the same elevation as or above your generators to maintain pressure without excessive pumps.

Tools and Equipment Needed

To establish a successful coal power plant, gather the following tools and equipment:

Pipelines and Pumps
- Pipelines transport water from the water extractor to your generators.
- Pumps help maintain water flow when dealing with elevation changes.
Water Extractors
- These pull water from a natural source and supply it to the pipelines.
Miners
- Place miners on coal nodes to extract coal for conveyor belts.
Conveyor Belts
- Used to transport coal from miners to coal generators.
Power Poles and Cables
- Connect your coal generators to the power grid to distribute energy.

With all the resources and tools ready, you’ll be well-equipped to create a reliable coal power setup that can meet the growing demands of your factory.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Coal Generators In Satisfactory

Step 1 – Finding and Securing Coal and Water Sources

The first step in setting up coal generators is locating reliable coal nodes and a nearby water source.

Tips for Finding Coal Nodes:

Use the Object Scanner to search for coal deposits in your vicinity.
Ideal biomes include:
- Grass Fields: Great for beginners, with accessible terrain and nearby water.
- Northern Forest: Rich in resources but more challenging to navigate.

Securing Water Sources:

Look for water bodies like lakes or rivers near your chosen coal node.
Ensure that the water source is on the same elevation or higher than your generators to maintain pressure naturally without over-relying on pumps.

Step 2 – Extracting Resources

Once you’ve found suitable locations for coal and water, the next step is extraction.

Setting Up Miners on Coal Nodes:

Place a Miner Mk.1 or higher on the coal node.
Use a conveyor belt to transport coal to your generator setup.

Water Extraction:

Place a Water Extractor in the water source.
Connect pipelines to transport water to your coal generators.
Use Pipeline Pumps for elevation changes to maintain water flow.

Step 3 – Transporting Resources

Efficient transportation of coal and water is crucial for a smooth setup.

Efficient Conveyor Belt Placement for Coal:

Plan the shortest route from the miner to the coal generators to save materials.
Use lifts or ramps to manage uneven terrain.

Optimal Pipeline Design for Water Flow:

Lay pipelines in straight paths where possible to reduce resistance.
Install Pipeline Pumps every 20 vertical meters for efficient flow in uphill routes.

Step 4 – Setting Up the Generator

Once resources are transported, it’s time to place the coal generators.

Placing the Coal Generator:

Build the generator close to the water pipeline and coal conveyor belt.
Align inputs for coal and water to simplify connections.

Tips for Efficiency:

For every generator, ensure one Water Extractor is dedicated (producing 120 m³/min for up to 3 generators).
Use splitters on the conveyor belt to distribute coal evenly between multiple generators.

Step 5 – Connecting to the Power Grid

With your setup in place, connect the system to your factory’s power grid.

Connecting Generators to the Grid:

Link each generator to a power pole using cables.
Ensure all power poles are connected to the central power grid.

Managing Power Overloads and Troubleshooting:

Check the power demand of your factory regularly to avoid overloads.
If generators shut down, inspect coal and water supply lines for blockages or inconsistencies.
Use the Power Graph to monitor production and consumption levels.

By following these steps, you can create a sustainable and scalable coal power setup to fuel your growing factory efficiently.

Optimizing Your Coal Power Plant in Satisfactory

Scaling Up Production

As your factory grows, the demand for power increases. Scaling up your coal power plant ensures you stay ahead of these requirements.

How to Add More Generators Efficiently:

Expand Strategically: Add generators in clusters near existing ones to streamline logistics.
Upgrade Miners: Use Miner Mk.2 or Mk.3 to extract more coal, supporting additional generators.
Splitter Use: Install splitters on conveyor belts to divide coal supply evenly among generators.

Managing Multiple Coal Nodes and Water Sources:

Connect Coal Nodes: Use conveyor belts to merge coal from multiple nodes for a unified supply.
Water Management:
- Dedicate one Water Extractor for every 3 coal generators (each extractor produces 120 m³/min).
- Add more extractors and pipelines for larger setups.
- Install flow meters to monitor water distribution.

By carefully balancing coal and water inputs, you can ensure every generator operates at full capacity without resource shortages.

Using Overclocking for Efficiency

Overclocking allows you to boost the output of individual machines, including miners and generators.

When to Use Power Shards:

On Miners: Use Power Shards to extract more coal per minute, supporting additional generators without needing more nodes.
On Water Extractors: Overclock extractors to increase water flow if more generators are added but no extra water sources are nearby.

How to Use Power Shards Effectively:

Add one or two Power Shards to optimize efficiency without overwhelming connected systems.
Monitor the Power Graph to avoid overloading your grid when overclocked generators consume more coal.

Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular upkeep ensures consistent performance and prevents shutdowns due to resource bottlenecks.

Regular Checks for Resource Flow:

Inspect coal conveyors for blockages or uneven distribution.
Check pipelines for leaks or low water pressure, especially at higher elevations.
Use conveyor lifts and pipeline pumps where needed to maintain smooth flow.

Upgrading Systems in the Later Game:

Replace conveyor belts with faster versions (Mk.3 or Mk.4) for higher coal throughput.
Use Industrial Storage Containers to stockpile surplus coal for emergencies.
Transition to advanced power systems like Fuel Generators or Nuclear Power for even greater energy output.

By scaling up production, using overclocking wisely, and staying on top of maintenance, you can create a highly efficient and reliable coal power plant that powers even the most ambitious factory expansions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a solid understanding of coal power in Satisfactory, mistakes in setup can lead to inefficiencies or system failures. Here’s a look at common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Examples of Inefficient Setups and Solutions

Mistake 1: Placing coal generators far from resources.

Problem: Long distances between coal nodes, water sources, and generators increase conveyor and pipeline costs, and risk resource delivery delays.
Solution: Build your power plant as close as possible to both coal and water sources. Use biomes like Grass Fields, where resources are typically near each other.

Mistake 2: Overloading one resource source.

Problem: Connecting too many generators to a single miner or water extractor can starve the system.
Solution: Use additional miners or extractors as you scale. For every three coal generators, ensure one dedicated Water Extractor and sufficient coal supply.

Tips for Ensuring Water Pressure Consistency

Mistake 3: Ignoring elevation changes in pipelines.

Problem: Pipelines lose water flow when moving uphill without proper pressure support.
Solution:
- Use Pipeline Pumps at intervals (every 20 vertical meters) for consistent flow.
- Place pumps closer to the water source for better efficiency.

Mistake 4: Inadequate pipeline connections.

Problem: Misaligned or disconnected pipelines can interrupt water flow.
Solution: Regularly check your pipelines for leaks or missed connections using the Build Menu overlay.

Avoiding Bottlenecks in Resource Transport

Mistake 5: Insufficient conveyor speed.

Problem: Conveyor belts that can’t handle the miner’s output lead to coal pileups or slow resource delivery.
Solution: Upgrade to faster conveyor belts (e.g., Mk.2 or Mk.3) as your miner’s output increases.

Mistake 6: Uneven coal distribution.

Problem: Some generators run out of coal while others remain fully fueled.
Solution: Use Smart Splitters or evenly distributed splitters to ensure a balanced coal supply to all generators.

Mistake 7: Over-reliance on a single node.

Problem: If one coal node runs dry or faces extraction limits, the entire system suffers.
Solution: Combine multiple coal nodes or integrate backup storage containers to handle peak consumption.

By recognizing these common mistakes and proactively addressing them, you can maintain a highly efficient and reliable coal power setup, avoiding frustrating downtime and wasted resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Satisfactory

How to use the Coal Generator in Satisfactory?

Place the generator near coal and water sources, connect inputs for coal and water, and link it to the power grid to begin generating 75 MW of power continuously. Ensure consistent resource flow for uninterrupted operation.

How much coal for a generator is Satisfactory?

Each coal generator consumes 15 coal per minute, so ensure your coal miner and conveyor belts can sustain this demand.

How many Coal Generators per node?

A single normal coal node (producing 60 coal/min with a Miner Mk.1) can support 4 coal generators. Use overclocked miners to increase capacity for more generators.

How much water do Coal Generators need in Satisfactory?

Each coal generator requires 45 m³ of water per minute, meaning one Water Extractor (120 m³/min) can supply up to 3 generators.

The End

Coal power in Satisfactory is a game-changer, offering a reliable and scalable energy solution to keep your factory running smoothly. Once set up, it frees you from the hassle of manual refueling, allowing you to focus on expanding production and exploring new horizons in the game.

But here’s where the fun truly begins: optimizing your setup! Experiment with layouts, try different coal-to-water ratios, and push the limits with overclocking to create a power plant that’s uniquely yours. Remember, every factory in Satisfactory has its quirks, so finding what works best for your setup is part of the adventure.

Looking to take your power game to the next level? Check out our guides to master the art of efficiency and scale up like a true pro. Until next time, happy building, pioneers—your factory is waiting!

How to Set Up Coal Generators in Satisfactory | Easy Guide

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