Port Westward Unit 2 is a notable gas-fired power generation facility located in the United States, ranking as the 1286th largest among a staggering 10,047 plants nationwide. With a generation capacity of 225.6 MW, it contributes a mere 0.02% to the total U.S. energy capacity of 1,386,385 MW, reflecting the vast scale of the American energy landscape where gas serves as the dominant fuel. Operated by Portland General Electric Co and commissioned in 2014, the facility utilizes advanced gas turbine technology, which allows for efficient and flexible power generation. In close proximity, the Chehalis Generating Facility and Beaver Power Plant are larger gas facilities, generating 698 MW and 610.7 MW, respectively, while the Port Westward facility itself is part of a regional cluster that includes several other gas plants such as the Mint Farm Generating Station and the original Port Westward plant, which adds to a robust gas infrastructure. This regional context emphasizes the importance of gas as a reliable energy source in the Pacific Northwest, especially given the U.S. energy profile's strong reliance on natural gas for electricity generation. While Port Westward Unit 2 may not dominate in terms of capacity, its role in supporting grid stability and contributing to the local energy mix is significant. As the U.S. energy sector evolves towards cleaner technologies, the facility stands at a crossroads, potentially influencing the transition to more sustainable energy sources while still playing a vital role in meeting immediate energy demands.
12 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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