Ranking as the 1279th largest power generation facility in the United States, the Fountain Valley Power Facility plays a modest yet vital role in the nation’s energy landscape. With a capacity of 228 MW, this gas-fired plant, commissioned in 2001, contributes approximately 0.02% of the total national capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Located in Colorado Springs, the facility is strategically positioned within a region that boasts a diverse energy mix, including significant coal and gas plants. Nearby, the Comanche Power Plant stands out as a major coal facility with a capacity of 1635.3 MW, while the Front Range Power Plant and Pueblo Airport Generating Station represent significant gas-power contributions at 554.3 MW and 440 MW, respectively. The Fountain Valley Power Facility, operated by Fountain Valley Power LLC, is part of a network of plants that help stabilize the local grid, providing essential backup power during peak demand periods. While it ranks 710th among gas plants in the U.S. with a total of 1883 gas facilities, its operational efficiency is crucial for the surrounding areas, especially given the predominance of gas as the dominant fuel type in the United States. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the Fountain Valley Power Facility remains an integral part of Colorado’s transition towards more sustainable energy solutions. Its role is expected to grow, particularly as the nation shifts towards increasing reliance on cleaner energy sources, while still utilizing gas as a bridging fuel. The facility's contribution, though small relative to larger plants, is significant in maintaining energy security and supporting the local economy.
25 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.
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