The C D McIntosh Jr is a key infrastructure asset in United States of America's power generation grid, located on the continent of North America. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 890.4 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize coal as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the City of Lakeland - (FL), which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1988, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within United States of America, C D McIntosh Jr occupies the #194 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 890.4 MW capacity represents a 0.15% share of United States of America's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 592,647 MW. The largest operational gas installation in United States of America is the West County Energy Center with an output of 4,263 MW, making the C D McIntosh Jr approximately 4.8 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0642% of United States of America's aggregate generation capacity of 1,386,385 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 3,119,962 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in United States of America consumes 11 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 283,633 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 28.0801° latitude and -81.9229° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Hines Energy Complex (gas-fired, 2234 MW), the Polk (gas-fired, 1492.5 MW), the Intercession City (gas-fired, 1197.3 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 United States of America.
38 years old
United States of America, North America
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
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Overview of C D McIntosh Jr Power Plant in Lakeland, Florida
The C D McIntosh Jr Power Plant, located in Lakeland, Florida, is a significant natural gas-fired power generation facility with a total capacity of 890.4 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1988, the plant plays a crucial role in the City of Lakeland's energy infrastructure and is owned by the municipal utility, Lakeland Electric. As a key component in the United States' energy sector, the C D McIntosh Jr Power Plant exemplifies the ongoing transition from coal to cleaner energy sources like natural gas. This shift aligns with national and regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable energy future.
Natural gas, the primary fuel type for the C D McIntosh Jr Power Plant, is known for its efficiency and relatively lower environmental impact compared to other fossil fuels such as coal and oil. The combustion of natural gas produces significantly fewer pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter, which are known contributors to air quality issues. Additionally, natural gas plants typically emit lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of electricity produced, making them a preferred choice for utilities aiming to meet environmental standards and climate goals. The plant utilizes advanced gas turbine technology, which enhances its operational efficiency and reduces fuel consumption, contributing to lower operating costs and emissions.
The C D McIntosh Jr Power Plant is strategically significant for the region's energy supply, providing reliable electricity to the City of Lakeland and its surrounding areas. As a part of Lakeland Electric's generation portfolio, the plant helps to meet peak demand during high consumption periods, such as hot summer months when air conditioning usage surges. Its capacity allows it to support the growing energy needs of the local population and businesses, ensuring that the community remains powered and connected.
In addition to its immediate regional benefits, the C D McIntosh Jr Power Plant also contributes to the broader goals of energy independence and security within the United States. By utilizing domestically sourced natural gas, the plant helps to reduce reliance on foreign energy imports, bolstering the national energy supply chain. Moreover, the plant's flexible operation allows it to complement intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, providing a stable and consistent power supply as the country continues to integrate more renewables into the grid.
Overall, the C D McIntosh Jr Power Plant serves as a vital asset in Lakeland's energy landscape, providing a reliable and cleaner source of electricity while supporting the ongoing transition towards a more sustainable energy future. Its role in mitigating environmental impacts and enhancing regional energy security underscores its importance in the complex interplay of modern energy generation.
United States of America — Energy Profile
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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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