The Lincoln Generating Facility 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 692 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 Lincoln Generating Facility LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2000, 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, Lincoln Generating Facility occupies the #293 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 692 MW capacity represents a 0.12% 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 Lincoln Generating Facility approximately 6.2 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0499% 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 2,424,768 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 220,433 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 41.3933° latitude and -87.9436° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Braidwood Generation Station (nuclear, 2449.8 MW), the Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station (nuclear, 2449.8 MW), the Dresden Generating Station (nuclear, 2018.6 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.
26 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 Lincoln Generating Facility: A Key Player in the U.S. Energy Landscape
The Lincoln Generating Facility, with a generation capacity of 692 megawatts (MW), is a significant natural gas-fired power plant located in the United States. Commissioned in the year 2000, this facility is owned and operated by Lincoln Generating Facility LLC. As part of the broader energy sector, the plant plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to the grid, particularly in regions where demand for energy fluctuates throughout the day and season.
The facility utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, a choice that reflects a growing trend in the U.S. energy landscape towards cleaner combustion technologies. Natural gas is favored for its ability to produce electricity with lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. The Lincoln Generating Facility employs advanced turbine technology to ensure efficient generation, allowing it to respond rapidly to changes in electricity demand. This flexibility is particularly important in modern energy markets that increasingly rely on renewable sources, which can be intermittent in nature.
From an environmental perspective, while natural gas is not entirely free from emissions, it is recognized as a cleaner alternative to more traditional fossil fuels. The combustion of natural gas produces significantly lower levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter, which are major contributors to air pollution. Nonetheless, concerns about methane leakage during extraction and transportation have led to discussions about the overall environmental impact of natural gas as a fuel source. The Lincoln Generating Facility is committed to maintaining compliance with environmental regulations, thereby minimizing its ecological footprint while contributing to energy generation.
Regionally, the Lincoln Generating Facility serves an essential function in stabilizing the energy supply, particularly during peak demand periods. The facility's ability to quickly ramp up production makes it a valuable asset in balancing the grid, especially during times when renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, may not be producing at optimal levels. Its strategic location and capacity contribute to the reliability of the local and regional electricity supply, ensuring that homes, businesses, and industries have access to the energy they need.
In summary, the Lincoln Generating Facility represents a vital component of the United States energy infrastructure, leveraging natural gas to provide efficient and relatively cleaner electricity. As the nation continues to transition towards more sustainable energy practices, facilities like Lincoln will play an important role in ensuring a stable and reliable power supply while addressing environmental concerns. Its operation not only supports regional energy needs but also aligns with the broader objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner energy sources.
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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