World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Cherepovets GRES1,080 MW Natural Gas

Gas

The Cherepovets GRES is a key infrastructure asset in Russia's power generation grid, located on the continent of Europe. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 1080 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 ПАО "ОГК-2", which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1976, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Russia, Cherepovets GRES occupies the #32 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 1080 MW capacity represents a 0.79% share of Russia's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 136,331 MW. The largest operational gas installation in Russia is the Surgutskaya GRES-2 with an output of 8,865 MW, making the Cherepovets GRES approximately 8.2 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3466% of Russia's aggregate generation capacity of 311,616 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 3,784,320 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in Russia consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 1,261,440 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 59.2278° latitude and 37.1281° longitude. A review of spatial data shows no other significant power generating installations within 50 kilometers, demonstrating the plant's solitary role in serving localized regional demand centres. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of Russia.

Capacity
1,080 MW

1.08 GW

Commissioning Year
1976

50 years old

Owner
ПАО "ОГК-2"
Location
59.2278°, 37.1281°

Russia, Europe

Location

Coordinates:: 59.227833, 37.128072
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
2.09 Mt
4257 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
104.31 Mt
Over 50 years of operation
Past Retirement
2006
20 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
453.5K
cars per year
278.1K
homes per year
94.8M
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
Russia
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

Overview of the Cherepovets GRES Power Plant in Russia

The Cherepovets Gas-fired Power Plant, known in Russian as Череповецкая ГРЭС, is a significant energy facility located in Russia with a total installed capacity of 1080 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1976, the plant is owned by PAO 'OGK-2', a major player in the Russian power sector. The plant primarily utilizes natural gas as its fuel source, positioning it as a modern alternative to coal-fired power generation, which can have a more detrimental impact on the environment. Over the years, Cherepovets GRES has played a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the surrounding region, contributing to the stability and reliability of the power supply in the area.

Natural gas is favored as a fuel for power generation due to its lower carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. Gas-fired plants like Cherepovets GRES typically have higher thermal efficiency, which translates into more electricity generated per unit of fuel consumed. In addition, the flexibility of gas turbine technology allows for quick adjustments in output to meet fluctuating energy demands, making it an important asset in balancing the grid and integrating renewable energy sources.

In terms of environmental impact, while gas-fired power generation is cleaner than other fossil fuel options, it still poses challenges. The combustion of natural gas releases carbon dioxide (CO2), although at lower levels compared to coal. Moreover, methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can leak during the extraction and transport of natural gas, contributing to climate change. The Cherepovets GRES has implemented various measures to mitigate its environmental footprint, including advancements in technology to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.

Regionally, Cherepovets GRES is vital for the economic and social development of the Vologda Oblast, where it is located. The plant provides a substantial portion of the local electricity supply, supporting industries and residential areas alike. Its operations help ensure energy security in a region that relies heavily on stable power for manufacturing and other critical services. The plant also contributes to job creation and local economic activity, reinforcing its significance beyond just energy production.

In summary, the Cherepovets Gas-fired Power Plant is a key energy facility in Russia, with a capacity of 1080 MW. Utilizing natural gas as its primary fuel, it serves a crucial role in the country's energy landscape by providing reliable power while aiming to minimize environmental impacts. Its importance to the Vologda Oblast highlights the intersection of energy production, economic stability, and environmental considerations in modern energy policy.

RussiaEnergy Profile

652
Total Plants
311.6 GW
Total Capacity
GasNuclearCoalHydro
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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