The Ironwood LLC 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 777.6 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 Helix Ironwood LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2002, 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, Ironwood LLC occupies the #247 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 777.6 MW capacity represents a 0.13% 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 Ironwood LLC approximately 5.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0561% 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 2,724,710 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 247,701 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 40.3509° latitude and -76.3658° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station (nuclear, 1839 MW), the Brunner Island (coal-fired, 1616.1 MW), the Ontelaunee Energy Center (gas-fired, 728 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.
24 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
Ironwood LLC: A Key Player in the U.S. Energy Sector
Ironwood LLC is a significant natural gas power plant located in the United States, boasting a generation capacity of approximately 777.6 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2002 and owned by Helix Ironwood LLC, this facility plays a crucial role in the country’s energy landscape, contributing to the reliable supply of electricity in an increasingly energy-dependent society. The utilization of natural gas as its primary fuel source aligns with a broader national trend towards cleaner energy production, as gas-fired plants are generally more efficient and emit fewer pollutants compared to traditional coal-fired facilities.
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, a hydrocarbon that, when burned, produces energy with significantly lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per unit of electricity generated than coal or oil. This efficiency not only contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gases but also offers a more stable supply of energy. The use of advanced technology in gas turbine design allows Ironwood LLC to achieve higher thermal efficiencies, further enhancing its role in supporting the grid during peak demand periods. In addition, the plant is capable of rapid ramping, which is essential for balancing the intermittency associated with renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
The environmental impact of Ironwood LLC is comparatively less severe than that of older fossil fuel power plants. While natural gas combustion does produce greenhouse gases, the plant’s modern infrastructure helps minimize methane leaks, which can occur during extraction and transportation. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), switching from coal to natural gas can lead to a significant reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter emissions. Consequently, Ironwood LLC contributes positively to air quality and public health in its operational region.
Regionally, Ironwood LLC serves as an essential energy resource, supporting both local and neighboring electrical grids. Its capacity to produce substantial amounts of electricity enables it to stabilize supply during fluctuations in demand, particularly during extreme weather conditions when energy needs peak. Furthermore, the plant's operation fosters economic activity in the area, providing jobs and supporting local businesses through its operational requirements.
In summary, Ironwood LLC stands as an important component of the United States' transition to cleaner energy systems. Its reliance on natural gas for electricity generation, coupled with advanced technologies aimed at reducing emissions, positions it as an environmentally responsible choice in the fossil fuel sector. As the U.S. continues to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its carbon footprint, facilities like Ironwood LLC will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable energy future.
United States of America — Energy Profile
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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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