Saudi Electricity Company— 1,083 MW Oil
The Saudi Electricity Company is a key infrastructure asset in Saudi Arabia's power generation grid, located on the continent of Asia. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 1083 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing oil energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Saudi Electricity 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 Saudi Arabia, Saudi Electricity Company occupies the #19 position among all operational oil power plants. Its 1083 MW capacity represents a 1.64% share of Saudi Arabia's total installed oil generating capacity, which currently stands at 65,900 MW. The largest operational oil installation in Saudi Arabia is the SHAIBA (SEC) with an output of 6,794 MW, making the Saudi Electricity Company approximately 6.3 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.7506% of Saudi Arabia's aggregate generation capacity of 144,277 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of oil power plants (modeled at 15% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 1,423,062 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in Saudi Arabia consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 474,354 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 26.2051° latitude and 44.0126° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the QASSIM CENTRAL (oil-fired, 1610.68 MW), the BURAIDAH (oil-fired, 104.5 MW), the Electricity Generation Station in North Buraidah (oil-fired, 90 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 Saudi Arabia.
1.08 GW
16 years old
Saudi Arabia, Asia
Location
Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Oil
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Saudi Arabia- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Overview of the Saudi Electricity Company Power Plant in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) operates a significant power plant in Saudi Arabia with a generation capacity of 1,083 megawatts (MW). This facility plays a crucial role in the country's energy sector, contributing to the stability and reliability of electricity supply in a nation that is heavily dependent on oil for its energy needs. As one of the largest utility companies in the Middle East, SEC is tasked with meeting the growing energy demands of Saudi Arabia's population and economic activities, which have been on a continuous upward trajectory due to urbanization and industrialization.
The plant primarily utilizes oil as its fuel source, reflecting Saudi Arabia's abundant natural resources. While oil has traditionally been the backbone of the Kingdom's energy production, the increasing global emphasis on transitioning to renewable energy sources raises questions about the long-term sustainability of oil-fired power generation. The technical details regarding the use of oil involve a complex process where oil is burned to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. This method, while efficient in the context of existing infrastructure, has a higher carbon footprint compared to alternative energy sources like natural gas or renewables.
The environmental impact of oil-fired power plants is a noteworthy concern. Burning oil releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, contributing to air quality issues and climate change. In response to these challenges, the Saudi government has been actively pursuing initiatives aimed at diversifying its energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The Vision 2030 plan, launched in 2016, outlines ambitious goals for increasing the share of renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency across various sectors. As part of this initiative, there may be future efforts to transition some of the capacity from oil to cleaner energy sources.
Regionally, the power plant holds substantial significance, not only for local communities but also for broader energy security in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The plant supports essential services and industries, ensuring that electricity supply remains uninterrupted in both urban and rural settings. Furthermore, it plays a role in stabilizing the grid during peak demand periods, which is critical for economic activities in the Kingdom. Given the strategic importance of the energy sector to Saudi Arabia's economy, the SEC power plant is not just a facility for electricity generation but a fundamental component of the nation's infrastructure.
In conclusion, the SEC-operated power plant is a vital entity within Saudi Arabia’s energy landscape, characterized by its substantial capacity and reliance on oil as a fuel source. While it currently meets significant energy demands, the environmental implications of oil usage and the ongoing shift towards sustainable energy solutions will shape its future role in the Kingdom's energy sector.
Nearby Power Plants
An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source
Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).
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