The Darby Generating Station 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 564 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 Lightstone Generation LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2001, 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, Darby Generating Station occupies the #415 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 564 MW capacity represents a 0.10% 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 Darby Generating Station approximately 7.6 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0407% 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 1,976,256 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 179,660 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 39.7129° latitude and -83.1771° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Darby Power LLC (gas-fired, 564 MW), the Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC - Chillicothe Facility (biomass-fired, 92.8 MW), the O'Shaughnessy Hydro (hydroelectric, 5.2 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.
25 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
Darby Generating Station: A Key Player in the U.S. Energy Landscape
The Darby Generating Station, located in the United States, stands as a significant natural gas-fired power plant with a total electrical capacity of 564 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2001, this facility plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region while contributing to the broader objectives of the national energy sector. Owned and operated by Lightstone Generation LLC, the Darby Generating Station utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, a choice that aligns with the ongoing transition towards cleaner energy production.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is primarily composed of methane, which is often considered a cleaner-burning alternative to coal and oil. When combusted for electricity generation, natural gas produces significantly lower emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter compared to traditional coal-fired plants. This makes the Darby Generating Station an important contributor to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while still providing reliable energy to the grid. The facility employs advanced combustion technology, which enhances its efficiency and reduces its environmental footprint.
The environmental impact of the Darby Generating Station is a critical aspect of its operation. While natural gas is cleaner than other fossil fuels, it is not without its environmental challenges. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can be released during extraction and transportation processes, raising concerns about its contribution to climate change. However, the overall emissions from the plant are considerably lower than those from coal plants, making it a preferable option during the transition to renewable energy sources.
Regionally, the Darby Generating Station has significant importance in providing a stable and reliable source of electricity, particularly during peak demand periods. The flexibility of natural gas plants allows them to quickly ramp up production to meet sudden increases in electricity consumption, making them invaluable in balancing supply and demand on the grid. This capability is essential in an energy landscape that increasingly relies on intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar power.
Moreover, the Darby Generating Station supports local economies by creating jobs and contributing to the tax base. As the energy sector evolves in the United States, facilities like Darby are pivotal in bridging the gap between traditional fossil fuels and a future dominated by renewable energy sources. As such, it exemplifies the ongoing shift towards a more sustainable energy paradigm, while still addressing the immediate energy needs of the population. Overall, the Darby Generating Station represents an integral component of the United States' energy infrastructure, highlighting the complexities and challenges of contemporary energy production.
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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