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Blue Spruce Energy Center397.8 MW Gas

Gas

The Blue Spruce Energy Center, located in the United States, is a significant gas-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 397.8 MW. Commissioned in 2003, this plant plays a vital role in supplying electricity to the local grid, contributing to the energy needs of communities in Colorado. The facility utilizes advanced gas turbine technology, which allows for efficient conversion of natural gas into electricity. This operational efficiency is crucial for maintaining a reliable energy supply, especially during peak demand periods. Positioned at coordinates 39.7479, -104.6814, the Blue Spruce Energy Center is strategically located to support the energy infrastructure in its region, operated by Public Service Co of Colorado. The operational context of the Blue Spruce Energy Center aligns with the broader energy policies in the United States, focusing on integrating cleaner energy sources into the energy mix while ensuring reliability. As a gas power plant, it provides a flexible and efficient option for energy generation, complementing renewable sources in the region. The facility's reliance on gas, which emits lower levels of greenhouse gases compared to coal, positions it as an important player in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future. Overall, the Blue Spruce Energy Center exemplifies the critical role that gas-fired power plants play in meeting energy demands while supporting efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

Capacity
397.8 MW
Commissioning Year
2003

23 years old

Owner
Public Service Co of Colorado
Location
39.7479°, -104.6814°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 39.747900, -104.681400
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
768.4 Kt
1568 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
17.67 Mt
Over 23 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2033
7 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
167.0K
cars per year
102.5K
homes per year
34.9M
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
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

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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