The Fulton power generation facility in Arkansas stands as a modest yet pivotal player in the United States' energy landscape, ranking #1630 among over 10,000 power plants nationwide. With a gas-fired capacity of 154.8 MW, it holds the distinction of being the 810th largest gas plant in the country. This ranking underscores the facility's role in a state whose energy profile is heavily skewed towards natural gas, which is the dominant fuel across the nation. Although Fulton contributes a mere 0.01% to the total national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, it plays a critical part in meeting local demand. Commissioned in 2001 and operated by the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, the Fulton facility utilizes natural gas to generate electricity, a method known for its efficiency and lower emissions compared to coal. This technology allows it to respond swiftly to fluctuations in electricity demand, enhancing the reliability of the regional grid. The plant's location in the southwestern part of Arkansas positions it strategically within a network of other energy installations, including the John W. Turk Jr. Power Plant, which operates on coal and boasts a capacity of 609 MW, and the Ashdown Biomass facility with a capacity of 156.5 MW. The presence of these plants highlights a diverse energy mix in the vicinity, although natural gas remains the primary source of generation in the area. In the broader context of the United States' energy profile, where gas fuels a significant portion of electricity generation, the Fulton facility contributes to the transition towards cleaner energy sources. As coal plants face increasing regulatory pressures and declining demand, facilities like Fulton that utilize natural gas are positioned to play an essential role in the future energy landscape of Arkansas and beyond. The local energy mix reflects a balance between traditional fossil fuels and newer biomass technologies, with nearby facilities such as the International Paper Texarkana Mill also utilizing biomass. This mix is essential for ensuring grid stability and energy security in the region. Looking ahead, the Fulton power generation facility is well-placed to adapt to the evolving energy landscape. As the nation moves towards more sustainable energy practices, the plant's efficient gas technology may serve as a bridge during this transition. Its operational capacity offers a reliable source of energy for the local grid, contributing to both economic stability and environmental considerations in Arkansas.
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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