World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

El-Atf750 MW Natural Gas

Gas

The El-Atf 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 750 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 2010, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Egypt, El-Atf occupies the #49 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 750 MW capacity represents a 0.62% 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 El-Atf approximately 6.4 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.5423% 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 2,628,000 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 876,000 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 31.1851° latitude and 30.5291° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Burullus Power Plant (gas-fired, 4800 MW), the Burullus Combined Cycle Power Station (gas-fired, 4800 MW), the Abu Kir (gas-fired, 2236 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.

Capacity
750 MW
Commissioning Year
2010

16 years old

Owner
Egyptian Electricity Holding Company
Location
31.1851°, 30.5291°

Egypt, Africa

Location

Coordinates:: 31.185100, 30.529100
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
1.45 Mt
2957 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
23.18 Mt
Over 16 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2040
14 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
314.9K
cars per year
193.2K
homes per year
65.8M
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
Egypt
Continent
Africa
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

El-Atf Power Plant: A Key Infrastructure in Egypt's Energy Landscape

The El-Atf power plant, located in Egypt, is a significant energy facility with a total capacity of 750 megawatts (MW). This gas-fired power plant plays a crucial role in the country’s energy sector, contributing to the growing demand for electricity in a rapidly developing economy. As Egypt continues to expand its infrastructure and industrial base, the El-Atf plant is pivotal in ensuring energy security and stability, supporting both residential and commercial energy needs.

The El-Atf power plant operates using natural gas as its primary fuel source. Natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels, emitting significantly lower quantities of carbon dioxide and other pollutants when burned. This characteristic not only aids in meeting energy demands but also aligns with global trends toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The technical specifications of the El-Atf facility reflect modern advancements in gas turbine technology, enabling it to achieve higher efficiency rates and lower operational costs. The combined cycle technology employed at the plant allows for the utilization of exhaust heat from gas turbines, improving overall efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

In terms of environmental impact, the El-Atf power plant represents a step toward a more sustainable energy future for Egypt. While the use of natural gas is associated with lower emissions compared to coal or oil, the extraction and transportation of natural gas can still pose environmental challenges. However, the plant's incorporation of advanced emission control technologies helps to mitigate these impacts, ensuring compliance with national and international environmental regulations. The strategic placement of the plant also minimizes disruption to local ecosystems and communities, while providing essential energy resources to a growing population.

Regionally, El-Atf holds significance beyond just its generation capacity. The plant supports Egypt's strategic initiatives to become a regional energy hub, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. With its proximity to major gas reserves and emerging markets, the El-Atf facility is well-positioned to contribute to energy exports, particularly as the country seeks to leverage its natural gas resources. This not only enhances Egypt's energy independence but also promotes economic growth through potential energy trade agreements with neighboring countries.

In conclusion, the El-Atf power plant is a vital component of Egypt's energy infrastructure, providing reliable electricity generation through the use of natural gas. Its technical advancements, commitment to reducing environmental impacts, and regional economic significance underscore its role as a cornerstone of the nation's energy strategy. As Egypt continues to navigate its energy challenges, El-Atf stands as a testament to the country's efforts to balance growth, sustainability, and regional cooperation.

EgyptEnergy Profile

155
Total Plants
138.3 GW
Total Capacity
GasHydroNuclearSolar
Top Fuels

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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