World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Gravel Neck407.7 MW Gas

Gas

Gravel Neck is a notable gas-fired power generation facility located in the United States, with a capacity of approximately 407.7 MW. Operated by Virginia Electric & Power Co, this power plant plays a pivotal role in supplying electricity to the local grid, particularly in the region surrounding its coordinates of 37.1575, -76.6911. The facility employs advanced gas turbine technology, which enables it to produce electricity efficiently while offering the flexibility to respond to varying energy demand levels. In addition to its primary gas fuel source, Gravel Neck also has the capability to utilize oil, providing an additional layer of reliability and versatility in energy generation. The operational context of this power plant is particularly relevant given the United States' ongoing transition towards cleaner energy practices. By utilizing natural gas, which has a lower carbon footprint compared to coal, Gravel Neck contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a stable energy supply. This facility exemplifies the critical role of gas in the national energy strategy, balancing the need for reliable power generation with the imperative of environmental responsibility.

Capacity
407.7 MW
Commissioning Year
1987

39 years old

Owner
Virginia Electric & Power Co
Location
37.1575°, -76.6911°

United States of America, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 37.157500, -76.691100
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
787.5 Kt
1607 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
30.71 Mt
Over 39 years of operation
Past Retirement
2017
9 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
171.2K
cars per year
105.0K
homes per year
35.8M
trees to offset

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

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,047
Total Plants
1386.4 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearHydro
Top Fuels

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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