The Pasadena Cogeneration 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 815 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 Pasadena Cogeneration LP, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1999, 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, Pasadena Cogeneration occupies the #223 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 815 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 Pasadena Cogeneration approximately 5.2 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0588% 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 2,855,760 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 259,615 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 29.7248° latitude and -95.1765° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Cedar Bayou (gas-fired, 1530 MW), the T H Wharton (gas-fired, 1189.9 MW), the Deer Park Energy Center (gas-fired, 1176 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.
27 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
Overview of Pasadena Cogeneration Power Plant
The Pasadena Cogeneration Power Plant, located in the United States, is a notable energy facility with a generation capacity of 815 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1999, this power plant is owned by Pasadena Cogeneration LP and plays a significant role in the energy landscape of the region. As a cogeneration facility, it efficiently produces both electricity and useful thermal energy from the same fuel source, which in this case is natural gas. This dual-purpose capability enhances its overall efficiency and reduces fuel consumption, making it an integral player in the transition towards more sustainable energy practices.
Natural gas, the primary fuel used at Pasadena Cogeneration, is known for its relatively low emissions compared to other fossil fuels. It burns cleaner than coal or oil, emitting lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This makes natural gas an appealing choice for power generation, especially in the context of growing concerns about climate change and air quality. The facility employs advanced technology to ensure that emissions are kept within regulatory limits, thus minimizing its environmental impact while contributing to the electric grid.
The Pasadena Cogeneration Power Plant is strategically significant to the regional energy sector, as it provides essential power supply to the local grid and supports the reliability of electricity in the area. Its capacity to generate both power and thermal energy also makes it valuable for industries that require steam for manufacturing processes. By optimizing the use of fuel, the plant not only contributes to energy efficiency but also aids in the economic stability of the region by providing jobs and supporting local businesses.
In the broader context of the United States energy sector, cogeneration plants like Pasadena are increasingly recognized for their role in improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As the country moves toward a more sustainable energy future, facilities that utilize natural gas and cogeneration technologies are expected to remain pivotal. They help balance the grid while integrating renewable energy sources, which can be intermittent in nature. This adaptability is crucial as the energy landscape evolves, ensuring that supply meets demand effectively and efficiently.
Overall, the Pasadena Cogeneration Power Plant stands as a model of modern energy production, balancing the need for reliable electricity with environmental considerations. Its operation reflects the ongoing efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources while maintaining economic viability in the region.
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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