Ranking as the 1452nd largest power generation facility in the United States, the Arapahoe Combustion Turbine Project plays a modest yet essential role in the nation’s energy landscape. With a capacity of 194 MW, this gas-fired plant contributes to the overall mix of power generation, where gas dominates as the primary fuel. Located in a region with a robust concentration of gas facilities, Arapahoe is surrounded by several larger plants, including the Cherokee plant, which boasts a significant capacity of 1006.4 MW, and the Rocky Mountain Energy Center, generating 685.1 MW. This proximity to larger facilities underscores Arapahoe's role within a competitive energy cluster, even though it accounts for only 0.01% of the total national capacity of 1,386,385 MW across 10,047 plants. The technology employed at Arapahoe utilizes combustion turbines, which are known for their efficiency and quick ramp-up capabilities, making them suitable for meeting peak demand. This operational flexibility is crucial in regions like Colorado, where demand can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. The facility was commissioned in 2000 and is operated by SWG Arapahoe LLC, a company that has focused on natural gas solutions to help balance the grid. In broader national context, gas remains the dominant fuel source in the United States, accounting for a substantial portion of the energy profile. However, the country is gradually shifting towards renewable sources. In this dynamic environment, Arapahoe's contribution, while modest, still adds to the reliability of the grid, especially when other renewable sources may be intermittent. The plant's position at #746 among the 1883 gas plants highlights its relatively smaller scale, yet it is a critical component in ensuring energy availability. As the nation progresses toward cleaner energy solutions, facilities like Arapahoe are poised for potential upgrades that may enhance their efficiency and reduce emissions. This aligns with the growing trend of integrating more sustainable practices within the energy sector, making the Arapahoe Combustion Turbine Project not just a power generator but a part of the evolving conversation around energy transformation.
26 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Gas
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileGas 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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