The Stony Brook 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 534.6 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing oil energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize gas as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Massachusetts Mun Wholes Electric Co, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1981, 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, Stony Brook occupies the #18 position among all operational oil power plants. Its 534.6 MW capacity represents a 1.38% share of United States of America's total installed oil generating capacity, which currently stands at 38,602 MW. The largest operational oil installation in United States of America is the Manatee with an output of 2,951 MW, making the Stony Brook approximately 5.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0386% of United States of America's aggregate generation capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of oil power plants (modeled at 15% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 702,464 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 63,860 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 42.1978° latitude and -72.5106° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Northfield Mountain (hydroelectric, 1168 MW), the Berkshire Power (gas-fired, 289 MW), the Masspower (gas-fired, 260.9 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.
45 years old
United States of America, North America
Location
Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Oil
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Stony Brook Power Plant: A Key Oil-Fired Energy Facility in Massachusetts
The Stony Brook Power Plant, located in the United States and owned by the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company, plays an important role in the country's energy sector. Commissioned in 1981, this oil-fired power plant boasts a capacity of 534.6 megawatts (MW), contributing significantly to the region's electricity generation needs. As part of the energy infrastructure in Massachusetts, Stony Brook helps ensure a reliable supply of electricity for local municipalities and their residents, particularly during peak demand periods.
The Stony Brook Power Plant operates primarily on oil, a fossil fuel that is characterized by its high energy density and relatively easy storage and transportation. Oil-fired power plants like Stony Brook typically use distillate fuel oil or heavy fuel oil, which are derived from crude oil through refining processes. The combustion of oil in the plant's turbines generates steam that drives generators to produce electricity. While oil can provide a consistent and controllable source of energy, it is also associated with certain environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. As the energy landscape shifts towards more sustainable and renewable sources, oil-fired power plants face increasing scrutiny regarding their environmental footprint.
The environmental impact of Stony Brook is a consideration for local and state regulators, especially in light of growing concerns about climate change and air quality. Oil combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to global warming and air pollution. In response to environmental regulations and public pressure, many oil-fired plants have implemented measures to reduce emissions, such as installing scrubbers and adopting cleaner fuel alternatives when feasible. Nevertheless, the reliance on oil remains a contentious issue as the country moves toward a cleaner energy future.
Regionally, Stony Brook is significant in supporting the energy needs of Massachusetts, particularly as the state continues to transition its energy portfolio. The plant provides essential baseload power, helping to stabilize the grid and support renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which can be intermittent. On particularly cloudy or windless days, Stony Brook can ramp up electricity generation to compensate for any shortfalls from renewable sources. This flexibility is crucial in maintaining a reliable energy supply for Massachusetts residents and businesses.
Overall, the Stony Brook Power Plant serves as a vital component of the energy landscape in Massachusetts. While it faces challenges related to environmental impacts and the shift towards greener energy sources, its capacity and reliability continue to make it a key player in the region's electricity supply, underscoring the complexities of balancing energy needs with environmental stewardship.
United States of America — Energy Profile
Nearby Power Plants
An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source
Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).
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