Ranked #1732 among the 10,047 power generation facilities in the United States, Silas Ray plays a modest yet vital role in the American energy landscape. With a capacity of 143.8 MW, this gas-fired facility contributes a mere 0.01% to the nation's total capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Despite its small share, Silas Ray is strategically located in Brownsville, Texas, where it forms part of a diverse energy cluster. The facility, commissioned in 1993 and operated by the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, is notable for utilizing both natural gas and oil, which adds flexibility in fuel sourcing. The surrounding area features significant energy infrastructure with nearby plants such as the Río Bravo III and Río Bravo II (Anáhuac), both of which boast capacities of 495 MW and also utilize gas as their primary fuel. In contrast, the Los Vientos Wind 1A and 1B plants, with capacities of 200 MW and 201.6 MW respectively, highlight the growing importance of renewable energy sources in the region. Silas Ray's capacity is notably lower than the average for Texas gas plants, indicating a localized energy demand that is met by larger facilities in its vicinity. This gas plant, while not leading in capacity or ranking, is essential for maintaining grid reliability in a region that is increasingly dependent on both gas and renewable energy. The U.S. energy profile is dominated by gas, which constitutes a significant majority of the total capacity, making Silas Ray's contribution more relevant as the country shifts towards cleaner energy sources. As the energy landscape evolves, facilities like Silas Ray will need to adapt to the challenges of integrating more renewables and improving efficiency. This transition will not only impact local energy economics but also contribute to broader national efforts to reduce emissions and enhance energy security.
33 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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