World Power Plants

Buzzard Point Power Plant288 MW Natural Gas

GasVerified: Feb 2026

Buzzard Point Power Plant stands as a significant contributor to the energy generation landscape of the United States, specifically located in Washington, D.C. Commissioned in 1933, this gas-fired power generation facility boasts a substantial capacity of 288 MW. Operated by the Potomac Electric Power Company, it plays a crucial role in providing reliable electricity to the local grid, supporting both residential and commercial needs in one of the nation's most vital urban areas. The facility utilizes advanced gas generation technology, which is known for its efficiency and lower emissions compared to traditional coal-fired plants. The strategic location of Buzzard Point, at coordinates 38.8653, -77.0116, allows it to effectively serve the densely populated region of D.C., where energy demand is consistently high. As part of the broader energy mix of the United States, Buzzard Point aligns with national policies aimed at transitioning towards cleaner energy sources while ensuring grid reliability. This makes the power plant not only an essential part of local infrastructure but also a key player in the ongoing evolution of the country’s energy landscape.

Capacity
288 MW
Commissioning Year
1933

93 years old

Owner
Potomac Electric Power Company
Location
38.8653°, -77.0116°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,170. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #6,269 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,308 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 0.02% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

93 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

Potomac Electric Power Company operates 2 plants totalling 868 MW

Regional density

128 plants within 100 km, 22,288 MW combined

Nearest plant: Nationals (1.1 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 38.865280, -77.011630
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
556.3 Kt
1135 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
51.74 Mt
Over 93 years of operation
Past Retirement
1963
63 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
120.9K
cars per year
74.2K
homes per year
25.3M
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

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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