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Oswego Harbor Power1,803.6 MW Oil

Oil

Oswego Harbor Power, located in the United States at coordinates 43.4586, -76.5319, is a significant energy generation facility with a combined capacity of 1,803.6 MW. This power plant operates primarily on oil, with natural gas serving as a secondary fuel source, making it a versatile contributor to the regional energy mix. Owned and operated by NRG Oswego Harbor Power Operations Inc., the plant was commissioned in 1977 and has since been a vital player in meeting the energy demands of the surrounding communities. The facility employs traditional steam generation technology, where oil is combusted to create steam that drives turbines, generating electricity. This method has been a standard in the industry, allowing for consistent and reliable power output, although it is subject to the increasing pressures of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Situated along the shores of Lake Ontario, Oswego Harbor Power holds a strategic position in New York's energy infrastructure, providing essential electricity to the local grid. The plant's operational significance is underscored by its ability to deliver power during peak demand periods, ensuring reliability for both residential and commercial users. In the context of New York's energy policies, which increasingly emphasise renewable energy integration and emissions reductions, Oswego Harbor Power faces the challenge of adapting to a changing landscape. While the plant currently relies on fossil fuels, its capacity to utilise natural gas as a secondary fuel enhances its operational flexibility and aligns with state initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints. As New York continues to invest in renewable energy sources, the role of facilities like Oswego Harbor Power in providing backup support and stability to the grid remains essential. Overall, Oswego Harbor Power exemplifies the complexities of modern energy generation, balancing the need for reliable power with the imperative of transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.

Capacity
1,803.6 MW

1.80 GW

Commissioning Year
1977

49 years old

Owner
NRG Oswego Harbor Power Operations Inc
Location
43.4586°, -76.5319°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 43.458600, -76.531900
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Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
3.59 Mt
5530 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
176.13 Mt
Over 49 years of operation
Past Retirement
2007
19 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
781.4K
cars per year
479.3K
homes per year
163.4M
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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