The McClellan Generating Station, with a capacity of 136 MW, ranks #1768 among the 10,047 power generation facilities in the United States, placing it amidst a competitive energy landscape. This gas-fired facility, operated by Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and commissioned in 1972, is classified as the 846th largest gas plant out of 1,883 across the country. Utilizing gas and, to a lesser extent, oil, McClellan employs combustion turbine technology to convert fossil fuels into electricity efficiently. This method of energy generation, while effective, underscores the ongoing challenges the U.S. faces in balancing fossil fuel reliance with the growing demand for cleaner energy alternatives. Within a 50-kilometer radius, McClellan is situated near the Union Power Station, a significantly larger facility boasting a capacity of 2,428 MW, which represents a considerable component of the local gas generation landscape. Additionally, the nearby SR Camden solar facility, with its modest 12 MW capacity, adds a touch of renewable energy to the mix, although its scale is dwarfed by the gas plants in the area. As part of a national energy profile where total capacity reaches 1,386,385 MW, predominantly fueled by gas, McClellan's output is a small but essential part of the Arkansas energy portfolio. The state's energy landscape is heavily tilted toward gas, which aligns with the national trend. Operated by Arkansas Electric Coop Corp, this facility plays a critical role in meeting local energy demands while contributing to the broader Arkansas energy ecosystem. As the demand for cleaner energy sources continues to rise, McClellan's future will hinge on the transition strategies adopted by its operators and the broader energy policies implemented at both state and federal levels.
54 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Gas
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
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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