World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

West County Energy Center4,263 MW Gas

Gas

The West County Energy Center in the United States is a significant player in the energy generation landscape, particularly within Florida's dynamic power sector. With a robust capacity of 4263 MW, this facility is primarily fueled by natural gas, with oil serving as a secondary fuel source. The power plant, operated by Florida Power & Light Co, is strategically located at coordinates 26.6986° N and -80.3747° W, near the densely populated region of South Florida, which is known for its high energy demands. Utilizing advanced gas turbine technology, the West County Energy Center is designed for high efficiency and rapid responsiveness to fluctuations in electricity demand. This natural gas-fired generation technology is crucial for providing reliable baseload power and peak load support, making it an essential part of the local grid. The operational context of the West County Energy Center is particularly relevant as Florida seeks to diversify its energy portfolio and enhance grid reliability while transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. The facility plays a vital role in meeting the energy needs of millions of residents and businesses in South Florida. Its strategic location allows it to quickly supply electricity to urban centres and industrial areas, ensuring a stable power supply during peak demand periods. As the energy landscape evolves, the West County Energy Center contributes to Florida's efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. In the broader context of U.S. energy policy, the West County Energy Center exemplifies the ongoing shift towards natural gas as a bridge fuel in the transition to renewables. As Florida Power & Light Co continues to invest in cleaner energy technologies, this power plant remains a key asset in achieving a sustainable energy future while ensuring that the lights stay on for millions of Floridians.

Capacity
4,263 MW

4.26 GW

Commissioning Year
2009

17 years old

Owner
Florida Power & Light Co
Location
26.6986°, -80.3747°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 26.698600, -80.374700
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
8.23 Mt
16805 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
139.98 Mt
Over 17 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2039
13 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.8M
cars per year
1.1M
homes per year
374.3M
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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