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Cottonwood Energy Project1,433.6 MW Gas

Gas

The Cottonwood Energy Project, located in the United States at coordinates 30.2588, -93.7353, is a noteworthy gas-fired power generation facility that boasts a capacity of 1433.6 MW. Operated by Cottonwood Energy Co LP and commissioned in 2003, this plant significantly contributes to the energy mix in Louisiana, ensuring reliable electricity supply to meet local and regional demands. Utilising advanced gas turbine technology, the Cottonwood Energy Project is designed for efficiency and lower emissions, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainable energy practices in the U.S. energy landscape. The operational context of this facility reflects Louisiana's strategic focus on diversifying its energy sources while transitioning towards cleaner alternatives. By leveraging abundant natural gas resources, Cottonwood not only enhances the stability of the local grid but also supports the state's objectives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This power plant plays a vital role in bolstering the local economy by providing jobs and supporting ancillary services associated with energy generation. The significance of the Cottonwood Energy Project extends beyond its impressive MW capacity; it embodies the ongoing transformation in the energy sector, where gas-fired plants are increasingly recognised for their role in facilitating a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Capacity
1,433.6 MW

1.43 GW

Commissioning Year
2003

23 years old

Owner
Cottonwood Energy Co LP
Location
30.2588°, -93.7353°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 30.258800, -93.735300
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
2.77 Mt
5651 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
63.69 Mt
Over 23 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2033
7 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
602.0K
cars per year
369.2K
homes per year
125.9M
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
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

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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