Papalote Creek II LLC, positioned as the 1377th largest power generation facility in the United States, plays a pivotal role in the renewable energy sector with its 200.1 MW capacity. This wind farm, owned by RWE Renewables Americas LLC and commissioned in 2011, contributes a noteworthy share of 0.01% to the national generation capacity of 1,386,385 MW. While this percentage may seem small, it reflects the growing importance of wind energy in diversifying the energy mix, especially in a landscape dominated by natural gas. Utilizing state-of-the-art wind turbine technology, Papalote Creek II harnesses wind energy to generate clean electricity, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to increasing renewable energy sources. In its immediate vicinity, Papalote Creek II is surrounded by several prominent gas plants, including the Barney M Davis Power Plant with a whopping 1,082.2 MW capacity and the Nueces Bay facility at 730.2 MW. The presence of these gas generation facilities highlights a stark contrast in fuel types and demonstrates the energy transition taking place in the region. The geographical cluster of plants surrounding Papalote Creek II underscores the critical role of this wind farm in a landscape where gas remains the dominant fuel source. It is one of 10,047 power plants across the United States, where the majority relies on fossil fuels. The wind sector, however, is not to be underestimated, with Papalote Creek II ranking 142nd among 1,142 wind facilities nationwide. This ranking illustrates the significance of wind energy in the ongoing shift towards sustainable power generation. As a relatively modern facility, Papalote Creek II has been operational for over a decade, marking its presence in the evolving energy landscape. The operator, RWE Renewables Americas LLC, has aligned its objectives with national energy goals, emphasizing the importance of renewable sources in combating climate change. Looking ahead, Papalote Creek II is poised to enhance its contribution to the grid as technology advances and policies increasingly favor renewable energy sources, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future for power generation in the United States.
15 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Wind
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileWind power generation harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity, making it one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally. This process begins with wind turbines, which consist of large blades mounted on a tower. As the wind blows, it causes the blades to rotate, transforming the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy through a generator connected to the turbine. The efficiency of wind turbines has significantly improved over the past decades, with modern designs capable of generating power even at low wind speeds.
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