Ranked as the 1497th largest power generation facility in the United States, El Segundo Cogen holds a distinctive position in the country's extensive energy landscape. With a capacity of 180.1 MW, it plays a minor yet crucial role, contributing 0.01% to the nation's total capacity of 1,386,385 MW. This gas-fired power plant, operated by Chevron USA Inc., has been operational since 1996, utilizing advanced combustion technology that enhances efficiency while minimizing emissions. Located in a region characterized by a dense cluster of gas plants, El Segundo Cogen is situated within 50 kilometers of several significant facilities such as the Alamitos Generating Station, which boasts a capacity of 1893 MW, and the Haynes Generating Station at 1739.1 MW. These nearby plants underscore the area's reliance on gas as the dominant fuel type, highlighting El Segundo's role in supporting the regional grid. In fact, the combined capacity of neighboring plants far surpasses that of El Segundo, emphasizing the latter's role as a smaller cog in a larger machine. The U.S. energy profile is heavily skewed towards gas, with a total of 1883 gas plants across the nation, and El Segundo ranks as the 767th largest among them. This reflects the ongoing trend toward natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal, although it still accounts for a significant portion of U.S. energy generation. As the country transitions toward more sustainable energy sources, the economic and environmental significance of El Segundo Cogen may evolve, potentially positioning it as a transitional facility that supports a gradual shift to renewable energy. The plant’s strategic location within a high-capacity area ensures that it remains integral to local energy supply, providing a reliable source of power while contributing to the overall energy mix in California.
30 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.
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.