SCA Cogen 2, with a capacity of approximately 193.4 MW, holds the rank of 1455 among the 10,047 power generation facilities in the United States. As a natural gas plant, it occupies the 747th position out of 1,883 gas facilities across the nation. This classification highlights its relatively modest size within the expansive landscape of U.S. energy production, which is predominantly fueled by natural gas. SCA Cogen 2 contributes a mere 0.01% to the national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, underscoring its role in a broader context where large gas plants dominate. The technology employed at SCA Cogen 2 focuses on cogeneration, a process that simultaneously generates electricity and useful heat from the same energy source. This efficient use of natural gas not only maximizes energy output but also minimizes waste, making it a valuable asset in the effort to enhance energy efficiency within the grid. Located near several other significant power generation facilities, SCA Cogen 2 is part of an energy cluster that includes the Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station, which boasts a substantial capacity of 918 MW. Nearby, the Cosumnes Power Plant and its counterpart share a combined capacity of 1,113.6 MW, primarily from gas, while the Lodi Energy Center adds another 288.9 MW. The proximity of these plants illustrates a robust regional energy network, highlighting the importance of diverse energy sources in meeting local demand. In the context of the national energy profile, the United States heavily relies on natural gas, which has increasingly become the dominant fuel source due to its lower emissions compared to coal and oil. Although SCA Cogen 2's contribution to the national capacity is minimal, its operation is vital for providing supplementary power and supporting the grid during peak demand periods. Operated by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and commissioned in 1997, SCA Cogen 2 has been a part of California's energy strategy for over two decades. The facility exemplifies the state's commitment to integrating cleaner energy sources into the grid while maintaining reliability. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, SCA Cogen 2's role in cogeneration positions it as an important player in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future. By maximizing the potential of natural gas, the facility contributes to efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring that energy demands are met efficiently.
29 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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