World Power Plants

Mid American Energy Sycamore Combustion Turbines157.6 MW Natural Gas

GasVerified: Feb 2026

Mid American Energy Sycamore Combustion Turbines, ranked 1618th among the 10,047 power generation facilities in the United States, operates with a capacity of 157.6 MW, making it a noteworthy player in the competitive gas power sector. Commissioned in 1974 and managed by MidAmerican Energy, this plant underscores the growing reliance on natural gas as a primary energy source across the nation, where gas dominates the energy landscape. With a rank of 807 out of 1883 gas facilities in the country, it reflects the ongoing transition towards cleaner fossil fuel alternatives. The plant utilizes combustion turbine technology, which is known for its efficiency and flexibility, allowing for quick ramp-up times and optimal performance. This capability is essential in balancing the grid and responding to fluctuating energy demands, particularly in a region where gas-fired plants are becoming increasingly critical. In the vicinity, the Greater Des Moines facility, with a capacity of 576.3 MW, and the Pleasant Hill plant at 179.8 MW, both contribute significantly to the local gas supply, highlighting a concentrated area of gas power generation that enhances regional energy security. In comparison, the Sycamore plant operates alongside other facilities such as the Sycamore (IA) gas plant, which shares its capacity of 157.6 MW, and the River Hills Gas facility, generating 128 MW. This cluster of power generation not only stabilizes the regional grid but also illustrates the importance of gas as a bridging fuel in the transition to renewable energy sources. The surrounding energy landscape, with wind contributions from the nearby FPL Energy Story Wind LLC at 150 MW, showcases the diversity and adaptability of the region’s energy mix. The United States energy profile, with a total capacity of 1,386,385 MW across 10,047 plants, illustrates the challenges and opportunities in balancing fossil and renewable sources. While Mid American Energy Sycamore Combustion Turbines represents a mere 0.01% of the total national capacity, its role cannot be underestimated—especially as the country seeks to optimize its energy production and reduce emissions. The focus on gas-fired plants like Sycamore is crucial as they offer a more sustainable alternative to coal, thus supporting economic growth while aligning with environmental goals. Looking ahead, the Sycamore facility will likely play a pivotal role in addressing the energy demands of the future. With advancements in technology and a commitment to sustainability, MidAmerican Energy is positioned to enhance its operational efficiency, ensuring that the Sycamore plant continues to meet the energy needs of its community and contribute to a greener energy future.

Capacity
157.6 MW
Commissioning Year
1974

52 years old

Owner
MidAmerican Energy
Location
41.6720°, -93.6759°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,669. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #8,234 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,859 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

52 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

MidAmerican Energy operates 1 plants totalling 158 MW

Regional density

79 plants within 100 km, 6,185 MW combined

Nearest plant: Archer Daniels Midland Des Moines (9.3 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 41.671956, -93.675901
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
304.4 Kt
621 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
15.83 Mt
Over 52 years of operation
Past Retirement
2004
22 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
66.2K
cars per year
40.6K
homes per year
13.8M
trees to offset

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

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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