The Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station 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 922.5 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 Exelon Corporation, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1970, 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, Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station occupies the #174 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 922.5 MW capacity represents a 0.16% 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 Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station approximately 4.6 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0665% 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 3,232,440 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 293,858 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 39.1786° latitude and -76.5269° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Brandon Shores (coal-fired, 1370.2 MW), the Herbert A Wagner (coal-fired, 1058.5 MW), the Benning Road Power Plant (gas-fired, 580 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.
56 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
Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station: A Key Gas-Fired Power Facility in the USA
The Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station is a significant gas-fired power plant located in the United States, with a substantial capacity of 922.5 megawatts (MW). This facility plays a crucial role in the energy landscape of the country, contributing to the generation of electricity and supporting the reliability of the power grid. It is particularly important in regions that experience high demand for electricity, especially during peak consumption periods. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, making it an essential component of the transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
Natural gas, the fuel type employed by the Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station, is primarily composed of methane, a hydrocarbon that burns more efficiently and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to other fossil fuels. The combustion of natural gas results in lower levels of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which are significant contributors to air pollution. As the United States shifts towards reducing its carbon footprint, natural gas power plants like Wagner are increasingly favored for their ability to provide flexible and responsive power generation.
The environmental impact of the Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station is generally considered to be less severe than that of traditional coal-fired plants. However, it is not without challenges. While natural gas combustion is cleaner, the extraction and transportation of natural gas can lead to methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Furthermore, the plant's operation contributes to the overall carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel use. Nonetheless, many environmentalists and energy experts view natural gas as a necessary transitional fuel that can help bridge the gap towards a more sustainable energy future, especially when complemented by renewable energy sources.
Regionally, the Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station serves as a pivotal source of electricity, supporting local economies and providing power to millions of households and businesses. Its ability to quickly ramp up production makes it a reliable resource for meeting fluctuations in electricity demand, particularly during times of high consumption such as hot summer days when air conditioning use surges. The plant's strategic location also allows it to effectively integrate with the existing energy infrastructure, facilitating the distribution of power across the grid.
In summary, the Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station is a vital asset within the United States' energy sector, leveraging natural gas to provide substantial power generation capacity while contributing to the nation's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its role in supporting regional energy demands and its position in the ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources underscore its significance in the broader context of the energy landscape.
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.