The Gila River Power Block 4 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 619 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 Salt River Project, 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, Gila River Power Block 4 occupies the #364 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 619 MW capacity represents a 0.10% 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 Gila River Power Block 4 approximately 6.9 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0446% 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 2,168,976 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 197,180 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 32.9750° latitude and -112.6944° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (nuclear, 4209.6 MW), the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (nuclear, 3937 MW), the Red Hawk (gas-fired, 1140.3 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
Gila River Power Block 4: A Key Component of Arizona's Energy Landscape
Gila River Power Block 4 is a natural gas-fired power plant located in the state of Arizona, USA, with a generating capacity of 619 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2003, this facility is owned and operated by the Salt River Project (SRP), a prominent utility provider that plays a vital role in delivering electricity to a significant portion of the population in the Phoenix metropolitan area and surrounding regions. The plant is part of the Gila River Power Station complex, which is strategically positioned to meet the growing energy demands of the Southwest, particularly as the region experiences population growth and increasing energy consumption.
The power plant primarily utilizes natural gas as its fuel source, which is known for being a cleaner-burning alternative to coal and oil. Natural gas combustion emits lower levels of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter, making it a more environmentally friendly option for electricity generation. Furthermore, the use of natural gas in power generation contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, aligning with the broader goals of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Gila River Power Block 4 employs advanced gas turbine technology, which enhances efficiency and reduces operational emissions, thereby supporting the utility's commitment to sustainability.
In terms of environmental impact, Gila River Power Block 4 has been designed to minimize its ecological footprint. While natural gas is a fossil fuel and its extraction and transportation can pose environmental challenges, the plant's operation is significantly less harmful than that of older coal-fired power plants. It is subject to stringent regulatory standards aimed at ensuring compliance with environmental protection laws. The facility incorporates measures to manage water usage and minimize impacts on local ecosystems, reflecting a commitment to responsible energy production in the arid climate of Arizona.
Regionally, Gila River Power Block 4 plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability and stability of the electricity grid. As one of the key power generation assets in Arizona, it helps balance supply and demand, especially during peak usage periods when electricity consumption is at its highest. The plant supports local economic growth by providing jobs and contributing to the area's energy security. Additionally, its proximity to major urban centers allows for efficient energy distribution, reducing potential transmission losses associated with long-distance power transport.
In conclusion, Gila River Power Block 4 stands as an important element of the United States' energy infrastructure, particularly within Arizona. By leveraging natural gas technology, it not only meets the region's electricity needs but also aligns with contemporary environmental standards, thereby contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
United States of America — Energy Profile
Nearby Power Plants
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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