The Kings Mountain 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 543.9 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 NTE Carolinas LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2018, 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, Kings Mountain Energy Center occupies the #439 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 543.9 MW capacity represents a 0.09% 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 Kings Mountain Energy Center approximately 7.8 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0392% 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 1,905,826 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 173,257 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 35.2025° latitude and -81.3631° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the McGuire (nuclear, 2440.6 MW), the McGuire Nuclear Station (nuclear, 2440.6 MW), the Catawba (nuclear, 2410.2 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.
8 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
Kings Mountain Energy Center: A Modern Gas-Fired Power Plant in the USA
The Kings Mountain Energy Center, located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, is a significant gas-fired power plant with a generation capacity of 543.9 megawatts (MW). Owned by NTE Carolinas LLC, this facility was commissioned in 2018 and plays a crucial role in the energy landscape of the United States. As a part of the country's transition towards cleaner energy sources, the Kings Mountain Energy Center utilizes natural gas, a fossil fuel that is considered to be more environmentally friendly compared to coal and oil due to its lower carbon emissions when combusted. The plant employs advanced technology designed to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions, aligning with regulatory standards and contributing to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the region.
Natural gas, the primary fuel type for the Kings Mountain Energy Center, is primarily composed of methane, which burns more cleanly than other fossil fuels. Its combustion emits fewer pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter, which are significant contributors to air quality issues. The facility's combined cycle technology allows it to generate electricity efficiently by utilizing the waste heat from gas turbines to produce additional power through steam turbines. This dual-generation process not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes the environmental footprint of electricity production.
The environmental impact of the Kings Mountain Energy Center is generally favorable when compared to older, coal-fired power plants. While it still contributes to carbon emissions, the facility's reliance on natural gas positions it as a transitional energy source toward a more sustainable energy future. Furthermore, NTE Carolinas LLC has been proactive in implementing measures to reduce water usage and manage waste, thereby addressing some of the environmental concerns associated with gas-fired power generation.
Regionally, the Kings Mountain Energy Center plays a vital role in meeting the energy demands of North Carolina and surrounding areas. The plant supports the local grid, providing essential electricity to homes and businesses, particularly during peak demand periods. Its strategic location and capacity help stabilize the energy supply, contributing to grid reliability and resilience. As the state of North Carolina continues to embrace renewable energy initiatives, the Kings Mountain Energy Center serves as a critical bridge, ensuring that energy needs are met while supporting the gradual transition to cleaner energy sources.
In summary, the Kings Mountain Energy Center stands as a modern gas-fired power plant that exemplifies the ongoing evolution of the energy sector in the United States. By leveraging natural gas technology, it not only addresses immediate energy demands but also supports efforts toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious 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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