The North Cairo Power Station 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 1500 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 Cairo Electricity Production Company, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2004, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Egypt, North Cairo Power Station occupies the #24 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 1500 MW capacity represents a 1.23% 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 North Cairo Power Station approximately 3.2 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 1.0846% 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 5,256,000 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 1,752,000 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 30.1081° latitude and 31.2658° 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.
1.50 GW
22 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 North Power Plant: A Key Player in Egypt's Energy Landscape
The Cairo North Power Plant, known as محطة كهرباء شمال القاهرة in Arabic, is a significant natural gas-fired power generation facility located in Egypt. With a substantial capacity of 1500 megawatts (MW), it plays a crucial role in meeting the increasing energy demands of the country. Commissioned in 2004 and owned by the Cairo Electricity Production Company, this power plant is part of Egypt's broader strategy to enhance its electricity generation capabilities and ensure a stable power supply for its growing population and economy.
The plant operates primarily on natural gas, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel that has become a preferred choice for power generation due to its lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. Natural gas plants like Cairo North are more efficient and produce fewer pollutants, making them a vital component of Egypt's efforts to transition towards more sustainable energy sources. This shift aligns with global trends towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, as well as national policies aimed at improving air quality and energy efficiency.
In terms of technical specifications, the Cairo North Power Plant utilizes advanced combined cycle technology. This method involves using gas turbines to generate electricity, with the exhaust heat from the turbines being used to produce steam that drives a steam turbine, thereby maximizing energy output and efficiency. This dual-cycle system contributes to the plant's high performance and reliability, making it one of the cornerstones of Egypt's electricity infrastructure.
The environmental impact of the Cairo North Power Plant is relatively favorable compared to older, more traditional power generation methods. While natural gas is a fossil fuel and does contribute to carbon emissions, its overall environmental footprint is significantly less than that of coal-fired plants. The use of advanced emission control technologies further mitigates the plant's impact on air quality. Nonetheless, the reliance on natural gas does present challenges, particularly regarding the sustainability of gas supplies and the need for continued investment in renewable energy sources.
Regionally, the Cairo North Power Plant serves not only to meet local demand in Cairo and its surrounding areas but also to provide stability to the national grid. Given the rapid urbanization and industrial growth in Egypt, the plant is essential for supporting economic development and improving the quality of life for millions of citizens. As Egypt continues to pursue energy diversification and renewable energy projects, the role of natural gas facilities like Cairo North remains critical in ensuring a reliable and secure energy future for the country.
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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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