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Sanford2,377.8 MW Gas

Gas

Sanford Power Plant is a prominent gas-fired power generation facility located in the United States, positioned at coordinates 28.8419° N latitude and 81.3256° W longitude. With a capacity of 2,377.8 MW, Sanford plays a vital role in Florida's energy landscape, significantly contributing to the state's electricity supply. Owned and operated by Florida Power & Light Company, Sanford was commissioned in 1991 and has been an integral part of Florida's energy infrastructure. Utilising natural gas as its primary fuel, Sanford benefits from the cleaner-burning properties of gas compared to traditional coal power plants, making it a more environmentally friendly option within the energy mix. In addition to natural gas, the facility has the capability to utilise oil as a secondary fuel, providing operational flexibility during periods of high demand or gas supply fluctuations. The technology involved in the Sanford Power Plant includes combined cycle gas turbine technology, which is known for its efficiency and lower emissions profile. This technology allows for the capture and reuse of waste heat from the gas turbine, enhancing overall energy generation efficiency. Sanford's strategic location within Florida is crucial, as the state experiences significant electricity demand, particularly during the hot summer months when air conditioning usage peaks. The plant is essential for maintaining grid reliability and responding to fluctuations in power demand. Florida's energy policies have increasingly focused on reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy sources, which aligns with Sanford's operational characteristics as a natural gas facility. As Florida continues to expand its renewable energy initiatives, Sanford remains a key player in the energy generation landscape, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity while supporting the state's transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

Capacity
2,377.8 MW

2.38 GW

Commissioning Year
1991

35 years old

Owner
Florida Power & Light Co
Location
28.8419°, -81.3256°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 28.841900, -81.325600
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
4.59 Mt
9373 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
160.75 Mt
Over 35 years of operation
Past Retirement
2021
5 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
998.5K
cars per year
612.4K
homes per year
208.8M
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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