The Shady Hills Generating Station is a key infrastructure asset in United States of America's power generation grid, located on the continent of North America. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 541.2 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize oil as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Shady Hills Power Co LLC, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2001, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within United States of America, Shady Hills Generating Station occupies the #442 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 541.2 MW capacity represents a 0.09% share of United States of America's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 592,647 MW. The largest operational gas installation in United States of America is the West County Energy Center with an output of 4,263 MW, making the Shady Hills Generating Station approximately 7.9 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0390% of United States of America's aggregate generation capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of gas power plants (modeled at 40% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 1,896,365 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in United States of America consumes 11 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 172,397 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 28.3665° latitude and -82.5586° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Anclote (gas-fired, 1112.4 MW), the Hillsborough County Resource Recovery (waste-to-energy, 47 MW), the Pasco Cnty Solid Waste Resource Recovery (waste-to-energy, 31.2 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of United States of America.
25 years old
United States of America, North America
Location
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
Shady Hills Generating Station: A Key Natural Gas Power Plant in the USA
The Shady Hills Generating Station, located in the United States, is a significant natural gas-fired power plant with a total generating capacity of 541.2 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2001, the facility is owned and operated by Shady Hills Power Co LLC, and it plays an essential role in the country's energy sector by providing a reliable source of power to meet the growing demands of the regional grid. As a modern gas power plant, Shady Hills is equipped with advanced technology that enhances its efficiency and reduces its environmental footprint compared to older fossil fuel power plants.
The primary fuel used at Shady Hills is natural gas, which is considered one of the cleaner fossil fuels available today. Natural gas combustion emits significantly lower amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants compared to coal or oil, making it a more environmentally friendly option for electricity generation. The plant utilizes combined cycle technology, allowing it to achieve higher efficiency rates by capturing waste heat from the gas turbines and using it to produce additional electricity through steam turbines. This process not only maximizes the output of the plant but also minimizes the overall emissions associated with power generation.
In terms of environmental impact, while natural gas is cleaner than other fossil fuels, the extraction and transportation processes can lead to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. However, Shady Hills Generating Station has implemented various measures to mitigate these impacts, such as utilizing state-of-the-art emissions control technologies and adhering to strict regulatory standards set by environmental agencies. As a result, the facility contributes to the transition towards a lower-carbon energy future, aligning with national goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices.
Regionally, the Shady Hills Generating Station serves as a crucial component of the local energy infrastructure, supplying electricity to homes and businesses in the vicinity. The plant's ability to provide peaking power during times of high demand enhances the stability and reliability of the electricity grid. This is particularly important in a country where energy consumption continues to rise, necessitating an increase in flexible and responsive power generation sources. Furthermore, the presence of the Shady Hills Generating Station contributes to energy security by diversifying the fuel mix and reducing reliance on more polluting energy sources.
In summary, the Shady Hills Generating Station exemplifies the role of modern natural gas facilities in the United States' energy landscape. With its capacity to generate 541.2 MW of electricity, advanced technology, and commitment to environmental responsibility, it stands as a critical asset in ensuring reliable and cleaner energy for the future.
United States of America — Energy Profile
Nearby Power Plants
Gas Power Generation: An Overview of Its Mechanisms, Benefits, and Future Prospects
Gas 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.
See Incorrect or Missing Data?
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.