The Fayette Energy Facility 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 644.1 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 Dynegy Fayette Energy Facility, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2003, 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, Fayette Energy Facility occupies the #344 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 644.1 MW capacity represents a 0.11% 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 Fayette Energy Facility approximately 6.6 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0465% 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 2,256,926 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 205,175 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 39.8592° latitude and -79.9182° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the FirstEnergy Fort Martin Power Station (coal-fired, 1152 MW), the Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station (gas-fired, 1134 MW), the Longview Power Plant (coal-fired, 807.5 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.
23 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
Fayette Energy Facility: A Key Player in U.S. Natural Gas Power Generation
The Fayette Energy Facility, located in the United States, is a natural gas power plant with a generation capacity of 644.1 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2003, this facility is owned and operated by Dynegy, a prominent player in the energy sector. As a gas-fired power plant, Fayette plays a significant role in the country's energy landscape, contributing to the growing reliance on natural gas for electricity generation. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that, when combusted, produces electricity with lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. This makes facilities like Fayette pivotal in the transition toward cleaner energy sources, as they help reduce the overall carbon footprint of power generation while meeting baseload and peak demand needs in the grid.
The Fayette Energy Facility utilizes a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology, which enhances its efficiency by using both gas and steam turbines to generate electricity. In this process, natural gas is burned to power the gas turbine, and the waste heat from this combustion is then used to produce steam that drives a steam turbine. This dual method of energy conversion allows the facility to achieve higher efficiency rates, often exceeding 60%, which is significantly better than traditional coal-fired plants.
From an environmental perspective, the Fayette Energy Facility contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), associated with electricity generation. Natural gas emits approximately 50% less CO2 compared to coal when combusted for power generation. Moreover, advancements in emission control technologies have enabled the facility to minimize other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), further mitigating its environmental impact. Nonetheless, the extraction and transport of natural gas can pose environmental challenges, including methane emissions, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Therefore, while the Fayette Energy Facility represents a cleaner alternative to more polluting fossil fuels, the entire lifecycle of natural gas must be managed carefully to maximize its environmental benefits.
Regionally, the Fayette Energy Facility serves an essential role in supporting the electricity demands of the area, particularly during peak times when demand surges. Its strategic location and capacity allow it to provide reliable and flexible power to the grid, which is crucial for maintaining energy stability. Additionally, the facility contributes to the local economy through job creation and investments in infrastructure. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the Fayette Energy Facility stands as a prime example of how natural gas can be utilized effectively within the broader context of energy needs and environmental considerations in the United States.
United States of America — Energy Profile
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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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