Ranked as the 1448th largest power generation facility in the United States, the Robert A Reid power plant holds a significant position within the regional energy landscape of Kentucky. With a generation capacity of 194.8 megawatts (MW), it plays a crucial role in meeting local energy demands, especially in a grid that is dominated by coal and gas fuels. This facility, commissioned in 1971 and operated by Big Rivers Electric Corp, utilizes a combination of natural gas, coal, and oil for power generation, reflecting a diversified energy strategy. The Robert A Reid plant is situated within a close-knit cluster of coal-fired plants that include the Warrick Power Station, which boasts a capacity of 822.8 MW, and the A B Brown plant at 706.8 MW. These nearby facilities underscore the region's reliance on coal, which remains the dominant fuel source in Kentucky. In comparison, Robert A Reid's gas capacity ranks it as the 744th largest gas plant out of 1883 in the country, providing a unique position in a market where gas is increasingly pivotal. Despite its relatively modest capacity, Robert A Reid contributes a notable 0.01% of the total national capacity of 1,386,385 MW across 10,047 plants in the United States. This highlights its role in the broader context of the national energy profile, which is heavily skewed towards gas as the dominant fuel type. As the country transitions towards cleaner energy sources, the significance of older plants like Robert A Reid could evolve, especially within a landscape that is increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Owned and operated by Big Rivers Electric Corp, the facility exemplifies the ongoing challenges and opportunities present in the U.S. energy sector. While the plant is primarily gas-fired, its secondary and tertiary fuel sources of coal and oil illustrate the transitional phase of Kentucky's energy landscape, where traditional fuels still play a key role in energy generation. Looking ahead, the Robert A Reid power generation facility serves as a reminder of the need for modernization and adaptation in the energy sector. As demand for cleaner energy alternatives grows, plants like Robert A Reid may face pressure to innovate and reduce emissions. The regional energy cluster surrounding Robert A Reid, particularly the coal-heavy plants nearby, will be pivotal in determining how Kentucky balances its energy portfolio in the future, ensuring reliability while also addressing environmental concerns.
55 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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