The Cairo South is a key infrastructure asset in Egypt's power generation grid, located on the continent of Africa. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 715 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1997, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Egypt, Cairo South occupies the #52 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 715 MW capacity represents a 0.59% share of Egypt's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 121,657 MW. The largest operational gas installation in Egypt is the Burullus Power Plant with an output of 4,800 MW, making the Cairo South approximately 6.7 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.5170% of Egypt's aggregate generation capacity of 138,304 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of gas power plants (modeled at 40% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 2,505,360 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in Egypt consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 835,120 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 29.8669° latitude and 31.2914° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the North Giza (gas-fired, 2250 MW), the Giza North Power Station (gas-fired, 2250 MW), the North Giza Power Station (gas-fired, 2250 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of Egypt.
29 years old
Egypt, Africa
Location
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
Egypt- Continent
- Africa
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Cairo South Power Plant: A Key Player in Egypt's Energy Landscape
The Cairo South Power Plant, located in Egypt, is a significant energy facility with a total installed capacity of 715 megawatts (MW). This natural gas-fired power plant plays a crucial role in supporting the country's energy needs, particularly in meeting the growing demand for electricity in urban and industrial areas. As one of the key components of Egypt's energy infrastructure, Cairo South contributes to the stability and reliability of the national grid, especially during peak consumption periods.
The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is a favored choice for electricity generation due to its efficiency and lower emissions compared to other fossil fuels like coal or oil. Natural gas combustion produces fewer pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which are significant contributors to air quality issues. Egypt's abundant natural gas reserves make this fuel type both economically viable and strategically important for the nation's energy policy. The use of natural gas in power generation not only helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also aligns with Egypt's commitment to a cleaner energy future.
Cairo South Power Plant is equipped with modern turbine technology that enhances its operational efficiency. The facility's design allows for quick startup times and operational flexibility, enabling it to adapt to fluctuations in electricity demand. This is particularly important given the increasing energy needs driven by population growth and economic development in Egypt. Furthermore, the plant's ability to operate on natural gas helps to ensure a stable supply of energy, reducing reliance on more polluting energy sources.
In terms of environmental impact, while the Cairo South Power Plant is more environmentally friendly compared to coal-fired power plants, it still contributes to carbon emissions associated with natural gas combustion. However, the overall impact is mitigated by the plant's efficiency and the clean-burning characteristics of natural gas. Continuous efforts are being made by the Egyptian government to enhance the sustainability of its energy sector, including initiatives to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the national energy mix.
Regionally, Cairo South is significant not only for its contribution to Egypt's electricity supply but also for its role in regional energy security. Egypt has been working to establish itself as a regional energy hub, and facilities like Cairo South are pivotal in achieving this goal. The plant supports both domestic energy needs and the potential for electricity exports to neighboring countries, thereby fostering economic cooperation and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the Cairo South Power Plant stands as a vital asset in Egypt's energy landscape, harnessing the advantages of natural gas to provide reliable and cleaner electricity. Its technical capabilities and strategic importance underscore its role in addressing the challenges of energy demand while contributing to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and regional energy cooperation.
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Gas Power Generation: An Overview of Its Mechanisms, Benefits, and Future Prospects
Gas power generation is a significant component of the global energy landscape, characterized by the use of natural gas to produce electricity. This process typically involves either gas turbines or combined cycle gas plants. In a gas turbine, compressed air is mixed with natural gas and ignited, producing high-temperature exhaust gases that spin a turbine connected to a generator. Combined cycle plants enhance efficiency by utilizing both gas and steam turbines. After the gas turbine generates electricity, the waste heat is used to produce steam, which drives a steam turbine, thereby maximizing energy extraction from the fuel.
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