World Power Plants

The Rio Grande power plant, located in the United States, is a significant gas-fired energy generation facility with a capacity of 398.3 MW. Commissioned in 1981, this power plant plays a vital role in the regional energy mix, providing essential electricity to the local grid. Utilizing advanced gas turbine technology, the Rio Grande plant efficiently converts natural gas into electricity, making it a crucial asset for El Paso Electric Co, the operator and owner of this facility. Positioned at coordinates 31.8047, -106.5472, the Rio Grande power plant is strategically located to meet the energy demands of the surrounding communities, particularly in the El Paso area. The operational context of the Rio Grande plant is influenced by the broader energy policies in the United States, which increasingly emphasize the transition to cleaner energy sources while maintaining reliability and affordability. As a gas power plant, Rio Grande complements the growing use of renewable energy in the region, ensuring that the grid remains stable and responsive to fluctuations in energy demand. The efficiency of gas-fired technology allows for quick ramp-up times, making Rio Grande an important player in balancing energy supply and demand. Overall, the Rio Grande power plant highlights the essential role of natural gas in the U.S. energy landscape, providing a reliable source of power while supporting the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

Capacity
398.3 MW
Commissioning Year
1981

45 years old

Owner
El Paso Electric Co
Location
31.8047°, -106.5472°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 992. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #5,336 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,953 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 0.03% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

45 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

El Paso Electric Co operates 6 plants totalling 1,902 MW

Regional density

21 plants within 100 km, 3,820 MW combined

Nearest plant: Four Peaks Camino Real (4.4 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 31.804700, -106.547200
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Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
769.3 Kt
1570 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
34.62 Mt
Over 45 years of operation
Past Retirement
2011
15 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
167.3K
cars per year
102.6K
homes per year
35.0M
trees to offset

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

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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