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AES Redondo Beach LLC821.4 MW Gas

Gas

AES Redondo Beach LLC is a significant power generation facility located in the United States, specifically at the coordinates 33.8504, -118.3950. This gas-fired power plant plays a crucial role in the energy landscape of California, contributing to the state's diverse energy mix. With a capacity of 821.4 MW, AES Redondo Beach LLC has been operational since its commissioning in 1962, making it a cornerstone of energy generation in the region. The facility utilizes advanced gas turbine technology, allowing for efficient and reliable electricity production. As a gas power plant, it offers a flexible and responsive energy source that complements intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which are increasingly prevalent in California's energy portfolio. The strategic location near Los Angeles enhances its importance to the local grid, providing essential support for peak demand periods and ensuring grid reliability. The California energy policies promote a transition towards cleaner energy, and natural gas plays a vital role in this transition by providing a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional coal-fired plants. The operator, AES Redondo Beach LLC, is committed to maintaining high operational standards and plays an active part in the state’s energy transition efforts, including investments in renewable technologies. As California continues to push for ambitious climate goals, the significance of gas-fired plants like AES Redondo Beach LLC remains pivotal for balancing the energy supply and stabilizing the grid.

Capacity
821.4 MW
Commissioning Year
1962

64 years old

Owner
AES Redondo Beach LLC
Location
33.8504°, -118.3950°

United States of America, North America

Location
Coordinates:: 33.850400, -118.395000
Open in Google Maps
Technical Details
Primary Fuel Type
Gas
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database
AES Redondo Beach LLC: A Key Natural Gas Power Plant in the USA

AES Redondo Beach LLC is a significant natural gas power plant located in Redondo Beach, California, with a total generation capacity of 821.4 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1962, this power facility has played an integral role in the energy sector of the United States, particularly within the California region. Operated by AES Redondo Beach LLC, the plant primarily utilizes natural gas as its fuel source, which is known for its efficiency and relatively lower carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels such as coal or oil.

Natural gas is a cleaner-burning hydrocarbon that, when combusted, primarily emits carbon dioxide, water vapor, and traces of other pollutants. The use of natural gas in power generation has become increasingly popular due to its ability to provide reliable and flexible energy supply. This capability is essential in balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The AES Redondo Beach plant contributes to this balance, supplying the grid with necessary power, especially during peak demand periods or when renewable generation is insufficient.

Environmental impacts associated with natural gas power plants are generally less severe than those linked to coal-fired facilities. However, the extraction, transportation, and combustion of natural gas still pose environmental concerns, including methane emissions, which are a potent greenhouse gas. AES Redondo Beach LLC has pursued various measures to mitigate its environmental footprint, including implementing modern technologies aimed at increasing operational efficiency and reducing emissions. Nevertheless, the plant's existence highlights the ongoing debate surrounding fossil fuel reliance and the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Regionally, AES Redondo Beach LLC serves as a vital component of the Southern California power grid, which is characterized by a diverse energy mix. The plant's output supports local communities and industries, providing essential electricity to households and businesses. Its strategic location near the coast allows it to take advantage of existing infrastructure and facilitates the delivery of electricity to the densely populated areas in southern Los Angeles County.

Over the years, AES Redondo Beach LLC has undergone upgrades and technological improvements to enhance its efficiency and adaptability to changing energy demands. As California continues to push towards more ambitious renewable energy goals, the plant's role may evolve, potentially integrating more renewable sources and energy storage solutions to align with state policies promoting cleaner energy.

In summary, AES Redondo Beach LLC stands as a notable natural gas power plant within the United States energy landscape. With a legacy dating back to the early 1960s, it not only provides substantial electricity generation capacity but also plays a critical role in supporting regional energy reliability while navigating the challenges of environmental impact and energy transition.

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile
10,047
Total Plants
1386.4 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearHydro
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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