The Hardin County Peaking Facility, with its capacity of 173 MW, is ranked 1533rd among the 10,047 power generation facilities in the United States. This ranking reflects its critical role as a peaking power plant, designed to provide additional electricity during periods of high demand. Operated by East Texas Electric Cooperative Inc, this facility was commissioned in 2001 and operates primarily on natural gas, which is the dominant fuel type in the U.S. energy profile. Although it contributes only 0.01% to the national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, its significance is magnified during peak load times, where it can quickly ramp up generation to meet spikes in demand. Situated in a region abundant with larger gas plants, such as the Sabine facility at 1,811.8 MW, and other significant gas-powered entities like the ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery (677.8 MW) and Motiva Enterprises Port Arthur Refinery (276.8 MW), Hardin County Peaking Facility operates within a highly competitive energy landscape. This proximity to other large-scale plants illustrates a regional energy cluster that enhances grid resiliency and ensures reliable power supply. Despite its relatively small size, Hardin County Peaking Facility plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the electrical grid in East Texas, particularly during periods of high usage when other sources may not suffice. As the U.S. transitions towards cleaner energy solutions, the facility's operation reflects the ongoing reliance on natural gas as a bridge fuel while renewable energy sources continue to develop. Looking forward, the facility's ability to quickly respond to demand fluctuations will be increasingly important as the energy landscape evolves.
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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