The Middletown 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 786.4 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing oil energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize gas as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Middletown Power LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1967, 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, Middletown occupies the #10 position among all operational oil power plants. Its 786.4 MW capacity represents a 2.04% share of United States of America's total installed oil generating capacity, which currently stands at 38,602 MW. The largest operational oil installation in United States of America is the Manatee with an output of 2,951 MW, making the Middletown approximately 3.8 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0567% of United States of America's aggregate generation capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of oil power plants (modeled at 15% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 1,033,330 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 93,939 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 41.5549° latitude and -72.5791° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Millstone (nuclear, 2162.9 MW), the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant (nuclear, 2162.9 MW), the Kleen Energy Systems Project (gas-fired, 693 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.
59 years old
United States of America, North America
Location
Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Oil
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Middletown Power Plant: A Key Player in the U.S. Energy Landscape
The Middletown Power Plant, with a capacity of 786.4 megawatts (MW), is a significant energy facility located in the United States. Commissioned in 1967 and owned by Middletown Power LLC, this power plant primarily utilizes oil as its fuel source, contributing to the energy supply of the region and the country as a whole. The plant plays a crucial role in providing reliable electricity, especially during peak demand periods, and serves as a vital asset in the overall energy portfolio of the United States.
As an oil-fired power plant, Middletown generates electricity through the combustion of petroleum-based fuels. Oil, in this context, is utilized due to its high energy density, allowing for efficient energy production. The plant's operational efficiency is enhanced by advanced combustion technologies that maximize energy extraction from the fuel while minimizing waste. However, the reliance on oil as a fuel source also poses certain challenges, particularly in terms of price volatility and supply security, given the global nature of oil markets.
In terms of environmental impact, the Middletown Power Plant faces scrutiny typical of fossil fuel-based power generation. The combustion of oil emits greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These emissions contribute to air quality issues and climate change concerns. In response to environmental regulations and growing public awareness, the plant has likely implemented measures to reduce its ecological footprint, including emissions control technologies and operational improvements aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing waste.
Regionally, the Middletown Power Plant is significant for several reasons. It provides a stable source of electricity to the local grid, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial users. The plant’s capacity allows it to contribute to the overall reliability of the energy supply, making it a key player during times of high demand, such as extreme weather events or unexpected outages in other facilities. Additionally, the plant supports local economies by providing jobs and contributing to tax revenues, which can be reinvested in community services and infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Middletown Power Plant represents an important component of the United States' energy framework. While it faces challenges related to environmental sustainability and fuel volatility, its ability to deliver substantial power capacity underscores its value in maintaining energy reliability in the region. The ongoing transition toward cleaner energy sources continues to shape the future of facilities like Middletown, highlighting the balance between immediate energy needs and long-term environmental goals.
United States of America — Energy Profile
Nearby Power Plants
An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source
Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).
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