With a capacity of 179.8 MW, the Pleasant Hill power generation facility is ranked 1504th among 10,047 plants in the United States. This positioning highlights its relatively modest output compared to the vast array of energy resources available across the nation. Notably, it ranks 768th among the 1,883 gas-fired power plants in the country, underscoring its role within a sector that is heavily reliant on natural gas as a primary fuel source. Commissioned in 1992 and operated by MidAmerican Energy Co, Pleasant Hill utilizes a combined-cycle gas turbine system, which allows for highly efficient energy generation. This technology captures waste heat from the gas turbines to produce additional electricity, making it one of the more efficient methods of power generation. The facility’s secondary fuel option, oil, provides additional flexibility in meeting peak demand periods or during supply disruptions, ensuring a reliable power supply. Situated in proximity to several other significant gas plants within a 50 km radius, Pleasant Hill is part of a thriving energy cluster in Iowa. Nearby facilities include Greater Des Moines (576.3 MW) and Sycamore (157.6 MW), all of which contribute to a robust local grid. This interconnectedness enhances grid reliability and allows for better management of energy supply and demand across the region, demonstrating the importance of collaborative energy strategies in the Midwest. The energy profile of the United States features a staggering total of 10,047 power plants with an overall capacity of 1,386,385 MW, where gas is the dominant fuel type. Pleasant Hill’s share of 0.01% may be small, but its contribution is vital in supporting peak load demands and providing backup power when needed. As the U.S. continues to expand its energy infrastructure, the role of gas-fired plants like Pleasant Hill is likely to evolve amid increasing challenges related to sustainability and emissions. As the energy landscape shifts towards renewable sources, Pleasant Hill stands as a critical player in the transitional phase, providing essential grid support while adapting to changing regulatory environments. Its operational longevity and efficiency position it well to contribute to the ongoing evolution of energy generation in the United States.
34 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.
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