Situated in the heart of Oklahoma, Ponca City is ranked as the 1784th largest power generation facility in the United States, with a capacity of 134.3 MW. This gas-fired power generation facility plays a critical role in the regional energy landscape, particularly as the nation continues to rely heavily on natural gas, which is the dominant fuel across the country’s 10,047 plants. The facility is positioned as the 850th largest gas plant, contributing to the overall stability and reliability of the national energy grid. Commissioned in 1994, Ponca City utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, with an auxiliary oil option for added flexibility. This dual-fuel capability allows the plant to adapt to varying market demands and ensures a consistent energy supply, making it a vital component of the local energy infrastructure. The regional context of Ponca City is characterized by a diverse array of nearby power generation facilities, including the Sooner Coal Plant, which boasts a substantial capacity of 1,138 MW, and several wind projects like the Kay Wind LLC and Thunder Ranch Wind Project, with capacities of 299 MW and 297.8 MW, respectively. This mixture of generation types—coal, gas, and wind—illustrates the evolving energy dynamics in Oklahoma, where wind energy is gaining traction as a clean alternative. In the context of the national energy profile, the United States has a total capacity of approximately 1,386,385 MW, with gas facilities forming a significant portion of this mix. Ponca City's contribution, while modest at 0.01% of the national capacity, is essential in supporting Oklahoma's energy needs and aligning with the state's strategic goals for energy diversification. Operated by the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, Ponca City reflects the collaborative efforts of local governments to ensure energy independence and sustainability. Since its inception, the plant has been instrumental in providing a stable energy supply to the surrounding communities, enhancing local economic development through job creation and infrastructure investment. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Ponca City is poised to play a key role in the transition towards more sustainable energy solutions. The facility stands at the forefront of Oklahoma's energy strategy, which aims to integrate more renewable sources while maintaining the reliability and affordability of electricity for its residents. With advancements in technology and an increasing focus on environmental stewardship, the Ponca City facility symbolizes the changing paradigms of energy generation in the United States.
32 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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