The Gowanus Gas Turbines Generating 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 640 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing oil energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize gas as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the U S Power Generating Company LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1971, 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, Gowanus Gas Turbines Generating occupies the #12 position among all operational oil power plants. Its 640 MW capacity represents a 1.66% share of United States of America's total installed oil generating capacity, which currently stands at 38,602 MW. The largest operational oil installation in United States of America is the Manatee with an output of 2,951 MW, making the Gowanus Gas Turbines Generating approximately 4.6 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0462% of United States of America's aggregate generation capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of oil power plants (modeled at 15% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 840,960 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 76,451 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 40.6635° latitude and -74.0051° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Ravenswood (gas-fired, 2551 MW), the PSEG Linden Generating Station (gas-fired, 1740 MW), the Bergen Generating Station (gas-fired, 1400.8 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.
55 years old
United States of America, North America
Location
Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Oil
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Overview of Gowanus Gas Turbines Generating Power Plant
The Gowanus Gas Turbines Generating power plant, located in the United States, is a significant energy facility with a generation capacity of 640 megawatts (MW). Owned by U S Power Generating Company LLC, the plant was commissioned in 1971 and has played a crucial role in providing electricity to the region. As an oil-fired power plant, Gowanus utilizes oil as its primary fuel source, which allows it to generate electricity efficiently. However, the reliance on oil also raises concerns regarding environmental sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions.
The technical characteristics of oil as a fuel type for power generation are notable. Oil-fired power plants typically operate on distillate fuel oil or heavy fuel oil, with the former being more refined and cleaner-burning than the latter. The Gowanus plant’s utilization of oil enables it to produce electricity rapidly, making it a vital asset for meeting peak demand periods in the energy grid. Despite the efficiency of oil for quick-start operations, the use of fossil fuels like oil contributes to air pollution and carbon emissions, which are significant environmental concerns in the contemporary energy landscape.
In terms of its environmental impact, the Gowanus Gas Turbines Generating plant faces challenges typical of fossil fuel power generation. The combustion of oil releases carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, all of which can adversely affect air quality and contribute to climate change. Regulatory measures and advancements in emissions control technologies have been implemented to mitigate some of these impacts, but the plant is still subject to scrutiny regarding its environmental footprint. The transition toward more sustainable energy sources is a pressing issue, and facilities like Gowanus must adapt to changing regulatory frameworks and public expectations about environmental stewardship.
Regionally, the Gowanus plant holds importance in New York's energy sector, particularly in providing reliable electricity to meet the demands of urban populations. Its strategic location enables it to serve as a critical component of the electrical grid, especially during periods of high demand, such as extreme weather events. However, the plant's reliance on oil also aligns with broader discussions about energy security and the need for diversification of energy sources. As the United States continues to transition towards renewable energy, the role of plants like Gowanus may evolve, emphasizing the balance between immediate energy needs and long-term sustainability goals.
Overall, the Gowanus Gas Turbines Generating power plant exemplifies the complexities of energy production in the contemporary landscape, where reliability, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance must all be considered in the evolving dialogue surrounding energy generation in the United States.
United States of America — Energy Profile
Nearby Power Plants
An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source
Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).
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