The Goose Creek Energy Center 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 684 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 Union Electric Co - (MO), 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, Goose Creek Energy Center occupies the #311 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 684 MW capacity represents a 0.12% 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 Goose Creek Energy Center approximately 6.2 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0493% 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 2,396,736 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 217,885 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 40.1069° latitude and -88.5999° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Clinton Power Station (nuclear, 1138.3 MW), the Clinton Nuclear Generating Station (nuclear, 1138.3 MW), the Archer Daniels Midland Decatur (coal-fired, 335 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
Goose Creek Energy Center: A Key Gas-Fired Power Plant in the United States
The Goose Creek Energy Center, located in the United States, is a prominent natural gas-fired power plant with a generation capacity of 684 megawatts (MW). Owned by Union Electric Company, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, this facility was commissioned in 2003 and has since played a significant role in the nation’s energy sector. The plant is strategically positioned to contribute to the growing demand for cleaner energy solutions while providing reliable electricity to millions of consumers.
Natural gas serves as the primary fuel for the Goose Creek Energy Center. This fuel type has gained traction in the energy market due to its relatively lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil, making it a more environmentally friendly option for power generation. Furthermore, the efficiency of modern gas turbine technology employed at Goose Creek allows for effective and responsive power generation, capable of quickly adjusting output to match fluctuations in demand. This flexibility is crucial in today's energy landscape, characterized by increasing integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, which can be intermittent.
In terms of environmental impact, the Goose Creek Energy Center represents a step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the energy sector. Natural gas combustion emits significantly less carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of electricity generated compared to traditional fossil fuels like coal. However, it is essential to recognize that natural gas is still a fossil fuel and contributes to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. The Goose Creek facility adheres to stringent environmental regulations and employs advanced technologies to mitigate its ecological footprint, thus aiming to balance energy production with environmental stewardship.
Regionally, the Goose Creek Energy Center serves as a critical asset for the energy infrastructure of Missouri and the surrounding areas. It provides essential baseload and peaking power, ensuring grid stability and reliability, particularly during periods of high demand. The plant's proximity to major urban centers allows for efficient energy distribution, supporting local economies and fostering growth. Additionally, the center contributes to energy independence by utilizing domestically sourced natural gas, thereby reducing reliance on imported fuels and enhancing national energy security.
In summary, the Goose Creek Energy Center is a vital component of the United States' energy framework, demonstrating the transition towards cleaner energy sources. With its substantial capacity and efficient use of natural gas, the facility not only helps to meet the electricity needs of consumers but also plays a significant role in facilitating the shift towards a more sustainable energy future.
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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