The Mountain Creek Generating Station 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 808 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 Exelon, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1945, 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, Mountain Creek Generating Station occupies the #227 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 808 MW capacity represents a 0.14% 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 Mountain Creek Generating Station approximately 5.3 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0583% 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 2,831,232 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 257,385 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 32.7252° latitude and -96.9364° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Forney Energy Center (gas-fired, 1894.2 MW), the Midlothian Energy Facility (gas-fired, 1734 MW), the Handley (gas-fired, 1314.8 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.
81 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
Mountain Creek Generating Station: A Key Player in America's Energy Landscape
The Mountain Creek Generating Station, located in the United States, is a significant power plant with a generation capacity of 808 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1945 and owned by Exelon Corporation, this facility plays an essential role in the energy sector of the country, particularly in the context of natural gas utilization. As a gas-fired power plant, Mountain Creek utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is known for its efficiency and lower emissions compared to other fossil fuels such as coal and oil. The transition to natural gas has been a pivotal element in the ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making Mountain Creek an important asset in the quest for cleaner energy production. The technical aspects of natural gas as a fuel type contribute to the plant's operational efficacy. Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, producing mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor when combusted. This characteristic not only enhances the plant's efficiency but also mitigates its environmental impact compared to older, coal-fired power stations. The Mountain Creek Generating Station is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows for rapid adjustments to power output, making it a flexible resource in meeting fluctuating electricity demands. This flexibility is increasingly important in today's energy landscape, where renewable energy sources like wind and solar are becoming more prevalent but are inherently variable. As a result, natural gas plants like Mountain Creek serve as a reliable backup, ensuring grid stability and energy security. The environmental considerations surrounding the operation of the Mountain Creek Generating Station are significant. While natural gas is cleaner than coal or oil, it is not without its environmental challenges. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas that can contribute to climate change if released into the atmosphere during extraction or transportation. However, advancements in technology and stricter regulations have contributed to reducing methane leaks and improving the overall environmental performance of gas-fired plants. Regionally, Mountain Creek plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy and providing reliable electricity to millions of households and businesses. As part of Exelon's broader portfolio, the station contributes to the company's mission of delivering clean and affordable energy. The plant's operational reliability and capacity to produce significant amounts of electricity make it a cornerstone of the power supply in its region, helping to meet the energy needs of a growing population while aligning with broader national goals of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. In summary, Mountain Creek Generating Station stands as a vital component of the United States' energy infrastructure, exemplifying the shift towards natural gas as a cleaner alternative and demonstrating the importance of flexible energy resources in an evolving energy landscape.
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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