The CPV St Charles Energy Center 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 746 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 CPV Maryland LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2017, 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, CPV St Charles Energy Center occupies the #257 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 746 MW capacity represents a 0.13% 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 CPV St Charles Energy Center approximately 5.7 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0538% 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 2,613,984 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 237,635 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 38.5686° latitude and -76.8919° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Chalk Point LLC (gas-fired, 2553 MW), the Chalk Point Generating Station (gas-fired, 1809 MW), the Possum Point (oil-fired, 1591 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.
9 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
CPV St Charles Energy Center: A Modern Gas-Fired Power Plant in the USA
The CPV St Charles Energy Center is a significant natural gas-fired power plant located in the United States, with a total generation capacity of 746 megawatts (MW). Owned by CPV Maryland LLC, the facility was commissioned in 2017 and plays a crucial role in supporting the energy needs of the region and the broader U.S. power grid. As a modern energy facility, it is designed to efficiently convert natural gas into electricity, utilizing advanced technology that enhances both performance and environmental sustainability.
Natural gas serves as the primary fuel source for the CPV St Charles Energy Center. This fuel type is favored in contemporary power generation due to its relatively lower carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. The plant employs state-of-the-art combined-cycle technology, which maximizes energy efficiency by using waste heat from gas turbines to generate additional electricity through steam turbines. This highly efficient process not only reduces the overall fuel consumption but also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with national goals for cleaner energy production.
The environmental impact of the CPV St Charles Energy Center is significant when compared to traditional coal-fired power plants. By utilizing natural gas, the facility contributes to a reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, which are major contributors to air pollution and acid rain. Additionally, the plant has been designed to minimize its water usage and manage wastewater responsibly, addressing concerns related to water resource depletion and contamination. The facility's operational practices reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
Regionally, the CPV St Charles Energy Center serves as a vital component of the energy infrastructure in Maryland and surrounding areas. It helps stabilize the local power grid, particularly during periods of high demand, such as extreme weather events. The electricity generated at this facility is essential for ensuring reliable power supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users. Moreover, the plant contributes to the economic vitality of the region by providing jobs during both construction and ongoing operation, as well as supporting local businesses through its supply chain.
In summary, the CPV St Charles Energy Center is an integral part of the United States' transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. With its substantial capacity, advanced technology, and commitment to environmental responsibility, the facility not only meets local energy demands but also exemplifies the shift towards more efficient and less polluting energy sources in the country's power generation landscape.
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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