The Carville Energy LLC 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 555 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Carville Energy LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2003, 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, Carville Energy LLC occupies the #428 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 555 MW capacity represents a 0.09% 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 Carville Energy LLC approximately 7.7 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0400% 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 1,944,720 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 176,793 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 30.2294° latitude and -91.0650° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Plaquemine Cogeneration Plant (gas-fired, 987 MW), the Big Cajun 1 (gas-fired, 492.8 MW), the LaO Energy Systems (gas-fired, 464.5 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.
23 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 Carville Energy LLC: A Key Gas-Fired Power Plant in the USA
Carville Energy LLC is a significant gas-fired power plant located in the United States, with a total generation capacity of 555 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2003, this facility plays a crucial role in the energy sector of the country, contributing to the growing demand for cleaner and more efficient power generation. As a modern gas plant, Carville Energy utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is known for its lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. This transition toward natural gas has been a vital part of the U.S. energy landscape, reflecting a broader movement towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability in energy production.
The technical characteristics of the fuel type used at Carville Energy highlight the advantages of natural gas. Natural gas combustion produces significantly less CO2 per unit of energy compared to traditional fossil fuels, making it an attractive option for power generation. Furthermore, natural gas plants like Carville Energy can quickly adjust their output to meet fluctuations in electricity demand, providing a reliable and flexible source of power that complements intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. This capability enhances grid stability and supports the integration of a diverse energy portfolio.
In terms of environmental impact, the operation of Carville Energy LLC reflects the broader trend in the U.S. towards cleaner energy solutions. Although natural gas is a fossil fuel and its extraction and transportation can have environmental consequences, the plant's emissions are significantly lower than those of coal-fired power plants. Additionally, advancements in technology have further minimized the environmental footprint of gas plants, including the implementation of efficient combustion processes and emissions control systems. This helps to mitigate issues such as air pollution and contributes to improved air quality in the surrounding regions.
Regionally, Carville Energy holds a strategic significance in meeting the energy needs of its locality and beyond. It not only provides power to local consumers but also supports regional economic development by creating jobs and stimulating investment in infrastructure. As energy demands continue to evolve, Carville Energy LLC stands as a critical component in ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply for the United States. Moreover, its operation helps to bridge the gap as the country transitions towards a more diversified energy mix, incorporating renewable sources while maintaining a reliable base load generation capacity. In conclusion, Carville Energy LLC exemplifies the role of gas-fired power plants in the contemporary energy landscape, balancing efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility.
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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