The Harrison County Power Project 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 570 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 Northeast Texas Elec Coop Inc, 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, Harrison County Power Project occupies the #411 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 570 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 Harrison County Power Project approximately 7.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0411% 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 1,997,280 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 181,571 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 32.3958° latitude and -94.4367° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Martin Lake (coal-fired, 2379.6 MW), the Tenaska Gateway Generating Station (gas-fired, 939.6 MW), the Pirkey (coal-fired, 721 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
Harrison County Power Project: A Key Player in Texas's Energy Landscape
The Harrison County Power Project, located in the United States, is a notable natural gas-fired power plant with a generation capacity of 570 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2003 and owned by Northeast Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc., this facility plays a critical role in meeting the energy demands of the region while contributing to the broader energy sector of the country. As a gas-powered plant, it utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is known for its efficiency and relatively lower emissions compared to other fossil fuels such as coal and oil.
Natural gas, primarily composed of methane, is a cleaner-burning fuel that has gained prominence in the United States due to its abundant domestic supply and favorable economic factors. The Harrison County Power Project leverages advanced combustion technologies to optimize the efficiency of natural gas usage, thereby maximizing electricity generation while minimizing waste. This technological approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with the national trend towards cleaner energy production, as utilities increasingly seek to reduce their carbon footprints and support sustainable energy policies.
In terms of environmental impact, the Harrison County Power Project benefits from the cleaner properties of natural gas, which produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal-fired plants. While natural gas combustion does generate carbon dioxide, the overall emissions profile is generally more favorable. Furthermore, the plant is subject to regulatory oversight, which ensures compliance with environmental standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies. This oversight is essential for minimizing air pollutants and protecting local ecosystems.
Regionally, the Harrison County Power Project is significant as it contributes to the stability and reliability of the electrical grid in Northeast Texas. The plant serves as a vital resource, particularly during peak demand periods when electricity usage surges. By providing a reliable source of power, the facility supports local industries, businesses, and residents, thereby fostering economic growth in the area. Additionally, as renewable energy sources such as wind and solar become more prevalent, natural gas plants like Harrison County's are increasingly seen as essential for balancing the grid and providing backup power when renewable sources are intermittent.
In summary, the Harrison County Power Project stands as an important component of the United States' energy landscape. It exemplifies the shift towards natural gas as a preferred energy source due to its efficiency, lower emissions, and ability to complement renewable energy initiatives. As the nation continues to navigate the complexities of energy production and consumption, facilities like the Harrison County Power Project will remain pivotal in ensuring energy security and supporting a transition 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.
See Incorrect or Missing Data?
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.