World Power Plants

Ranking as the 1460th largest power generation facility in the United States, Elk River Station holds a modest yet significant position within the country's expansive energy landscape. With a capacity of 191.3 MW, this gas-fired plant contributes a mere 0.01% to the national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, which is dominated by natural gas as the primary fuel source. Elk River's significance lies not only in its output but also in its role within a region populated by more substantial facilities. Notably, within 50 km, the Sherburne County plant boasts a robust coal capacity of 2469.3 MW, while the Monticello Nuclear Facility and its counterpart, the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, each provide 685 MW of nuclear power. This contrasts sharply against Elk River's gas capacity, highlighting the diverse energy mix in the area. Nearby, the High Bridge and Riverside (MN) plants also contribute gas power, with capacities of 644 MW and 585.9 MW, respectively. This cluster of energy facilities enhances the reliability and resilience of the regional grid, providing a blend of fuels that caters to fluctuating demand. Nationally, the U.S. operates a staggering 10,047 plants, of which 1,883 are gas plants. Elk River Station's capacity is notably below the average capacity per plant, suggesting its role is more supportive within the regional energy framework rather than as a primary power generator. Operated by an unnamed entity, Elk River's integration into the grid underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced energy portfolio. The continued reliance on gas as a dominant fuel in the U.S. reflects both the economic and environmental ramifications of energy generation. As the energy landscape evolves with increasing attention to renewable sources, Elk River Station may play a pivotal role in the transition phase, ensuring stability while the shift towards greener alternatives gains momentum.

Capacity
191.3 MW
Commissioning Year
2009

17 years old

Owner
Elk River Power LLC
Location
45.2952°, -93.5567°

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

Elk River Power LLC operates 1 plants totalling 191 MW

Regional density

222 plants within 100 km, 10,375 MW combined

Nearest plant: Elk River City of (2.8 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 45.295200, -93.556700
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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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