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Waad Al Shamal Power Plant1,390 MW Gas

Gas

Waad Al Shamal Power Plant is a prominent gas-fired power generation facility located in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the country's commitment to expanding its energy infrastructure. With a significant capacity of 1390 MW, this power plant is integral to Saudi Arabia's national energy mix, primarily fueled by natural gas, which is favoured for its efficiency and lower environmental impact compared to other fossil fuels. The advanced gas turbine technology employed at Waad Al Shamal ensures high operational efficiency, facilitating reliable energy generation that supports both domestic consumption and industrial operations. Geographically positioned at coordinates 31.6512° N latitude and 38.8603° E longitude, the plant serves a crucial role in the northern region of Saudi Arabia, contributing to the overall stability of the local electricity grid. The Saudi Electricity Company, which operates this facility, is dedicated to enhancing the kingdom's energy production capabilities, especially in response to the increasing demand from both residential and commercial sectors. The operational context of Waad Al Shamal is aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the energy sector and reduce reliance on oil by promoting the use of natural gas and renewable energy sources. The significance of Waad Al Shamal Power Plant lies not only in its capacity to produce substantial amounts of electricity but also in its role as a reliable provider of energy that supports economic growth and development within the country. As Saudi Arabia continues to prioritise sustainable energy practices, the Waad Al Shamal Power Plant stands out as a key asset in the national energy landscape, ensuring a stable and efficient power supply for future generations.

Capacity
1,390 MW

1.39 GW

Commissioning Year
2018

8 years old

Owner
Saudi Electricity Company
Location
31.6512°, 38.8603°

Saudi Arabia, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 31.651162, 38.860343
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
2.68 Mt
5479 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
21.48 Mt
Over 8 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2048
22 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
583.7K
cars per year
358.0K
homes per year
122.0M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Gas
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Saudi Arabia
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

Saudi ArabiaEnergy Profile

163
Total Stations
144.3 GW
Total Capacity
GasOilSolarWind
Top Fuels

Gas Power Generation: An Overview of Technology, Impact, and Future Trends

Gas power generation is a pivotal component of the global energy landscape, with 4,378 gas power plants operational across 113 countries, contributing a total installed capacity of 1,731.2 gigawatts (GW). The United States leads in this sector, housing 1,881 plants with a capacity of 575.0 GW, followed by Russia, Iran, Japan, and China. This technology primarily utilises natural gas as a fuel source, which is burned to produce electricity through various processes, predominantly gas turbines and combined cycle systems.

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