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Santa Barbara390 MW Gas

Gas

The Santa Barbara power plant stands as a crucial component of Italy's energy generation infrastructure, operating with a capacity of 390 MW that significantly contributes to the national grid. This gas-fired facility, commissioned in 2006, employs state-of-the-art gas turbine technology, recognized for its high efficiency and ability to respond rapidly to fluctuating energy demands. Situated at coordinates 43.5650, 11.4777 in the Tuscany region, Santa Barbara plays an integral role in balancing energy supply and demand, particularly during peak usage periods. The operator’s commitment to maintaining a reliable energy supply aligns with Italy's broader energy policy, which emphasizes a transition towards cleaner energy sources while ensuring energy security. As the nation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the use of renewable energy, gas power plants like Santa Barbara are essential in providing a stable bridge during this transition, supporting both residential and industrial electricity needs across the region.

Capacity
390 MW
Commissioning Year
2006

20 years old

Owner
Enel
Location
43.5650°, 11.4777°

Italy, Europe

Location

Coordinates:: 43.565000, 11.477700
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
753.3 Kt
1537 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
15.07 Mt
Over 20 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2036
10 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
163.8K
cars per year
100.4K
homes per year
34.2M
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
Italy
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ItalyEnergy Profile

542
Total Plants
131.1 GW
Total Capacity
GasHydroCoalOil
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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