Richmond Cogen, with a capacity of 155.6 MW, is ranked as the 1626th largest power generation facility in the United States among a staggering 10,047 plants. As the 809th gas-fired plant in the country, it plays a modest yet significant role in the national energy landscape, which is predominantly gas-driven. This facility, commissioned in 1994 and operated by Chevron Products Company-Richmond, leverages gas turbine technology to efficiently convert natural gas into electricity, contributing to the region's energy supply. Located in California's San Francisco Bay Area, Richmond Cogen finds itself amidst a cluster of other gas plants, including the Russell City Energy Center, which commands a substantial capacity of 655 MW, and the Potrero Generating Station at 382 MW. This proximity to larger facilities highlights the competitive nature of gas generation in the region. Despite its relatively small share of only 0.01% of the national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, Richmond Cogen is crucial for meeting localized energy demands and ensuring grid reliability. The energy profile of the U.S. shows a strong reliance on gas as the dominant fuel source, and plants like Richmond Cogen are vital for maintaining this balance. In an era of increasing focus on sustainability, the operational efficiency of Richmond Cogen allows it to contribute to energy generation while minimizing environmental impact compared to traditional coal plants. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Richmond Cogen stands as a testament to the importance of gas as a transitional fuel towards greener alternatives.
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.
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.