Positioned as the 1265th largest power generation facility in the United States, the Cumberland Power Plant in New Jersey plays a modest yet essential role in the national energy landscape. With a gas-fired capacity of 231.2 MW, it contributes only 0.02% to the total national capacity of 1,386,385 MW from over 10,000 plants, where natural gas is the dominant fuel. Within a 50 km radius, the Cumberland facility is part of an interconnected grid that includes larger stations such as the B.L. England Generating Station, which has a capacity of 450 MW. This proximity to other gas and coal plants, like the Logan Generating Plant with 242.3 MW and the Sherman Avenue plant, enhances grid reliability in the region. Gas plants like Cumberland are vital in providing flexible power generation, particularly as the country moves towards integrating more renewable energy sources into the grid. Commissioned in 2000 and operated by Calpine New Jersey Generation LLC, the Cumberland facility showcases modern gas technology that allows for efficient and clean energy production compared to older coal plants. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Cumberland's operational efficiency and contribution to energy security will become increasingly important, especially as the U.S. pushes for a lower-carbon future. The Cumberland Power Plant represents the transition phase where traditional fossil fuel plants must adapt to newer technologies and environmental standards, ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly changing energy market.
26 years old
United States of America, North America
- 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 America — Energy ProfileGas 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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