The CASTELLON is a key infrastructure asset in Spain'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 782 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 IBERDROLA GENERACION S.A., which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2002, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Spain, CASTELLON occupies the #39 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 782 MW capacity represents a 1.62% share of Spain's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 48,147 MW. The largest operational gas installation in Spain is the BESOS GRUPO 5 with an output of 1,671 MW, making the CASTELLON approximately 2.1 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.6404% of Spain's aggregate generation capacity of 122,104 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 2,740,128 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in Spain consumes 4 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 685,032 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 39.9592° latitude and -0.0010° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Central Térmica de Castellón (gas-fired, 1621 MW), the Castelló thermal power station (gas-fired, 1621 MW), the Central térmica de Sagunto (gas-fired, 1233 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 Spain.
24 years old
Spain, Europe
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
Spain- Continent
- Europe
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Castellon Power Plant: A Key Component of Spain's Energy Landscape
The Castellon Power Plant, located in Spain and owned by Iberdrola Generación S.A., has been a vital contributor to the country's energy sector since its commissioning in 2002. With a total capacity of 782 megawatts (MW), this gas-fired power plant plays an essential role in meeting the growing demand for electricity in Spain, particularly during peak load periods. As a modern facility, Castellon utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is known for its efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels such as coal or oil.
Natural gas is a hydrocarbon fuel that is primarily composed of methane. It is extracted from underground reservoirs and is considered one of the cleanest-burning fossil fuels. The use of natural gas in power generation significantly reduces the emission of harmful pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter, contributing to improved air quality. Additionally, gas plants like Castellon can quickly ramp up or down their output, making them ideal for complementing intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are increasingly prevalent in Spain's energy mix.
The environmental impact of the Castellon Power Plant is generally lower than that of traditional coal-fired plants, but it is not without challenges. The combustion of natural gas does produce carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. However, advancements in technology and regulations aim to mitigate these impacts. Iberdrola, as a leading energy company, is committed to sustainability and has been investing in cleaner technologies and carbon offset initiatives to further reduce the environmental footprint of its operations.
Regionally, the Castellon Power Plant serves as a crucial anchor for energy reliability in the eastern region of Spain. It supports the local economy by providing jobs and contributing to the regional infrastructure. As Spain transitions towards a more sustainable energy future, the Castellon Power Plant exemplifies the balance between maintaining energy security and embracing cleaner energy sources. The plant's strategic importance is underscored by its ability to provide baseload power while supporting the integration of renewable energy, thereby playing a significant role in the country's commitment to achieving its climate goals. Overall, the Castellon Power Plant stands as a testament to the evolution of Spain's energy landscape, reflecting the ongoing transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
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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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