The Cedar Bayou 4 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 535.5 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 NRG Cedar Bayou Development Company LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2009, 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, Cedar Bayou 4 occupies the #450 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 535.5 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 Cedar Bayou 4 approximately 8.0 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0386% 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 1,876,392 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 170,581 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 29.7516° latitude and -94.9231° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Cedar Bayou (gas-fired, 1530 MW), the Deer Park Energy Center (gas-fired, 1176 MW), the Baytown Energy Center (gas-fired, 932.9 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.
17 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
Cedar Bayou 4: A Key Natural Gas Power Plant in the USA
Cedar Bayou 4 is a natural gas-fired power plant located in the United States, with a generation capacity of 535.5 megawatts (MW). Owned by NRG Cedar Bayou Development Company LLC, this facility was commissioned in 2009 and plays a significant role in the country's energy sector. As a part of the broader shift towards cleaner energy sources, Cedar Bayou 4 utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional coal-fired plants. Natural gas is known for its efficiency and lower carbon footprint, making it a preferred choice for many power generation facilities in the United States. The plant's operational design allows for rapid ramp-up capabilities, ensuring that it can meet peak demand periods effectively and provide reliable electricity to the grid.
The technical aspects of Cedar Bayou 4 highlight its modern infrastructure and efficiency. The plant employs advanced combined-cycle technology, which enables it to maximize energy extraction from the natural gas it consumes. This process involves using gas turbines to generate electricity, with the waste heat produced subsequently utilized to produce steam that drives a steam turbine, thereby enhancing overall efficiency. Such systems can achieve efficiencies of over 60%, significantly higher than conventional power plants.
In terms of environmental impact, Cedar Bayou 4 has been designed with several features aimed at minimizing its ecological footprint. The use of natural gas results in significantly lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to coal, which are key contributors to air pollution and acid rain. However, while natural gas is cleaner than coal, it is still a fossil fuel, and its extraction and transportation can lead to methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas. Therefore, the plant's operation is aligned with the ongoing dialogue regarding energy transition and sustainability, as it serves as a bridge toward a future that may increasingly rely on renewable energy sources.
Regionally, Cedar Bayou 4 plays a crucial role in supporting the electrical grid of the surrounding areas, particularly in Texas, where energy demand can fluctuate significantly due to factors such as weather and industrial activity. The plant's ability to provide reliable, dispatchable power is vital for maintaining grid stability and ensuring that consumers have access to electricity during peak demand periods. As Texas continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, Cedar Bayou 4 contributes to a balanced energy mix by providing backup generation capacity that can be called upon when renewable generation is insufficient.
In summary, Cedar Bayou 4 stands as a modern power generation facility that exemplifies the evolving landscape of the United States energy sector. By utilizing natural gas and advanced technologies, it not only supports the immediate energy needs of the region but also engages in the broader conversation about sustainable energy practices and the role of fossil fuels in a transitioning energy economy.
United States of America — Energy Profile
Nearby Power Plants
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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