World Power Plants

Elk River power generation facility, located in the United States, ranks as the 1460th largest power plant in the country, with a capacity of 191.3 MW. This facility, commissioned in 2009 and operated by Great River Energy, is a notable player in the U.S. energy landscape, particularly within the natural gas sector, where it holds the 751st position among 1,883 gas plants. Elk River’s contribution, albeit at a modest 0.01% of the national capacity, reflects the diverse energy mix that characterizes the United States, which boasts a total capacity of 1,386,385 MW across 10,047 plants. The facility utilizes gas as its primary fuel, supplemented by oil, providing a flexible and efficient means of power generation that can quickly respond to fluctuations in energy demand. This operational capability is crucial for maintaining grid reliability, especially in a country where natural gas has become a dominant source of energy. Elk River's strategic location is enhanced by its proximity to larger plants, including the Sherburne County coal facility with a substantial capacity of 2,469.3 MW and the Monticello Nuclear Facility, each contributing significantly to the regional energy supply. Other nearby plants, such as High Bridge and Riverside, further bolster the local energy landscape, creating a diverse portfolio of generation sources. Within the context of the national energy profile, Elk River operates in a landscape where natural gas is increasingly favored for its lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. As the U.S. transitions towards cleaner energy sources, Elk River plays a role by providing reliable natural gas generation that supports the grid while working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The facility's output contributes to the overall energy needs of the region, helping to ensure a stable supply for consumers and businesses alike. As the energy market evolves, Elk River's position within the gas sector will be critical in meeting future energy demands, especially as policies increasingly favor renewable sources. The facility's operational efficiency and ability to adapt to changing energy dynamics will be essential as the U.S. strives to achieve its climate goals. Looking forward, Elk River is poised to make significant contributions to the energy landscape, driving sustainable practices while supporting economic growth and energy reliability in the region.

Capacity
191.3 MW
Commissioning Year
2009

17 years old

Owner
Great River Energy
Location
45.2968°, -93.5584°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,511. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #7,636 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,687 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

17 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

Great River Energy operates 11 plants totalling 4,042 MW

Regional density

223 plants within 100 km, 10,376 MW combined

Nearest plant: Elk River City of (2.6 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 45.296800, -93.558400
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
369.5 Kt
754 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
6.28 Mt
Over 17 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2039
13 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
80.3K
cars per year
49.3K
homes per year
16.8M
trees to offset

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

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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