Ranked as the 1729th largest power generation facility in the United States, Notch Cliff plays a modest yet critical role within the nation's energy landscape. With a capacity of 144 MW, this gas-fired plant contributes to the broader grid while demonstrating the importance of natural gas as a fuel source in America. Commissioned in 1969 and operated by Constellation Power Source Generation, Notch Cliff represents a small fraction—just 0.01%—of the total national capacity, which stands at an impressive 1,386,385 MW across 10,047 plants. The facility's location in the state of Maryland positions it strategically within a region rich in diverse energy sources. Nearby, the Peach Bottom Nuclear Generating Station and its counterpart Peach Bottom both boast a significant combined capacity of 2876.4 MW, highlighting the reliance on nuclear energy in the immediate vicinity. Additionally, the York Energy Center, with its substantial gas capacity of 1449.4 MW, alongside the Brandon Shores coal facility at 1370.2 MW and the Wildcat Point Generation Facility, which operates at 1113.6 MW, forms a robust energy cluster that underscores the varied fuel mix in the area. This geographical context enhances Notch Cliff's relevance, as it helps stabilize the regional grid by balancing the intermittent nature of other plants. Furthermore, with natural gas being the dominant fuel across the United States, Notch Cliff serves as a vital cog in the transition towards more sustainable energy while still relying on fossil fuels. The facility's operational history since 1969 also speaks to its resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving energy market. As the nation continues to grapple with energy demands and climate challenges, Notch Cliff's role may be pivotal in ensuring reliability while potentially integrating more renewable resources into the grid. Its strategic positioning and operational capacity highlight the importance of maintaining a diversified energy portfolio, which is essential for meeting future energy needs.
57 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
United States of America — Energy ProfileGas 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.
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.