The Jack Fusco Energy Center 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 675.6 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 Brazos Valley Energy, 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, Jack Fusco Energy Center occupies the #319 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 675.6 MW capacity represents a 0.11% 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 Jack Fusco Energy Center approximately 6.3 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0487% 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 2,367,302 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 215,209 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 29.4731° latitude and -95.6244° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the W A Parish (coal-fired, 4008.4 MW), the Colorado Bend II (gas-fired, 1230.3 MW), the Channel Energy Center LLC (gas-fired, 923.8 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
Overview of the Jack Fusco Energy Center: A Key Gas-Fired Power Plant in the USA
The Jack Fusco Energy Center is a notable gas-fired power plant located in the United States, with a generating capacity of 675.6 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2003 and owned by Brazos Valley Energy, the facility plays a significant role in the energy landscape of the country, particularly in the context of natural gas as a primary fuel source for electricity generation. This plant is part of a broader trend in the United States, where natural gas has become increasingly central to energy production due to its abundance, lower carbon emissions compared to coal, and flexibility in meeting fluctuating energy demands.
Natural gas, the fuel type utilized by the Jack Fusco Energy Center, is primarily composed of methane and is extracted from underground reservoirs. It is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, as it emits significantly lower levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants when combusted for energy. The efficiency of natural gas power plants, including the Jack Fusco Energy Center, often results in lower greenhouse gas emissions per unit of electricity produced. Furthermore, advancements in combined cycle technology have allowed such plants to achieve high efficiency rates, converting a greater percentage of the fuel's energy into electricity.
The environmental impact of the Jack Fusco Energy Center, like other natural gas plants, is generally viewed as more favorable than that of traditional fossil fuel power plants. However, concerns remain regarding methane leaks during extraction and transportation, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas. The facility's operation is subject to stringent federal and state regulations that aim to mitigate these environmental risks and promote cleaner energy production. The center's location and operational practices are designed to comply with environmental standards, contributing to the overall goal of reducing the carbon footprint of the energy sector.
Regionally, the Jack Fusco Energy Center holds significant importance, particularly in addressing the energy demands of the surrounding communities and contributing to the stability of the local grid. As energy consumption patterns evolve, especially with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, gas-fired plants like Jack Fusco serve a crucial role in providing reliable backup power. This reliability is essential for maintaining the balance between supply and demand, particularly during peak usage times or when renewable sources are intermittent.
In conclusion, the Jack Fusco Energy Center exemplifies the shift towards natural gas in the United States' energy sector, offering a relatively cleaner and more efficient method of electricity generation. Its operational significance, coupled with the technical advantages of using natural gas, underscores its role within the broader energy landscape, contributing to both regional energy security and the 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.
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