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The Aguirre Power Plant is a vital energy generation facility located in the United States, specifically at coordinates 17.9519, -66.2308. This oil-fired power plant boasts a capacity of 1492 MW, making it a significant contributor to the local energy grid. Operated by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), the Aguirre facility plays an essential role in ensuring a reliable electricity supply for the region, particularly in the face of fluctuating energy demands and the challenges posed by natural disasters. The use of oil as a fuel source remains common in many parts of the Caribbean, where energy security is a pressing concern. The Aguirre Power Plant is equipped with technology designed to maximise efficiency and output, which is crucial for maintaining stability in the energy supply. The operational context of Aguirre is particularly relevant in light of recent energy policies aimed at increasing resilience and sustainability in Puerto Rico's energy sector. These efforts include diversifying the energy mix and integrating more renewable energy sources, which presents both opportunities and challenges for traditional oil-fired facilities. The Aguirre Power Plant, while primarily reliant on oil, serves as a critical bridge in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future. Its substantial MW capacity underscores its importance in meeting the electricity needs of Puerto Rico, especially in times of crisis. As the island continues to navigate its energy landscape, the Aguirre facility will remain a key player in the ongoing efforts to enhance energy security and reliability.

Capacity
1,492 MW

1.49 GW

Commissioning Year
1975

51 years old

Owner
PREPA
Location
17.9519°, -66.2308°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 17.951900, -66.230800
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Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
2.97 Mt
4574 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
151.64 Mt
Over 51 years of operation
Past Retirement
2005
21 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
646.4K
cars per year
396.5K
homes per year
135.2M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,047
Total Stations
1386.4 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearHydro
Top Fuels

An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source

Oil has been a significant source of energy for power generation worldwide, with 2,416 oil power plants distributed across 108 countries, contributing a total installed capacity of approximately 286.9 gigawatts (GW). The reliance on oil for electricity generation has its roots in the ease of extraction, transportation, and the energy density of crude oil, making it a practical choice for many nations. Notable countries that utilise oil in power generation include Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Iran, and Mexico, with Japan hosting 29 plants and leading in capacity at 49.9 GW, closely followed by Saudi Arabia with 53 plants at 49.7 GW. The United States has 883 oil power plants with a combined capacity of 39.4 GW, while Iran and Mexico have 22 and 23 plants, respectively, with capacities of 13.5 GW and 12.2 GW.

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