The Sugar Creek Power 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 619.4 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Northern Indiana Pub Serv Co, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2002, 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, Sugar Creek Power occupies the #363 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 619.4 MW capacity represents a 0.10% 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 Sugar Creek Power approximately 6.9 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0447% 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 2,170,378 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 197,307 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 39.3931° latitude and -87.5108° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Merom (coal-fired, 1080 MW), the Wabash Valley Power IGCC (gas-fired, 192 MW), the Marshall (IL) (oil-fired, 16.9 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.
24 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
Sugar Creek Power: A Key Natural Gas Facility in the USA
Sugar Creek Power is a significant natural gas-fired power plant located in the United States, specifically owned and operated by Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO). Commissioned in 2002, the facility boasts a generating capacity of 619.4 megawatts (MW), making it a notable contributor to the electrical grid in the region. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is known for its efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to coal and other fossil fuels. This aligns with the broader trend in the U.S. energy sector towards cleaner energy sources, as natural gas has emerged as a pivotal component in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Natural gas, the fuel type utilized by Sugar Creek Power, is a fossil fuel that is primarily composed of methane. It is extracted from underground reservoirs and is often found in conjunction with oil deposits. The combustion of natural gas generates electricity through a process known as combined-cycle generation, where the hot gases produced during combustion are used to drive turbines. This technology allows for higher efficiency and lower emissions, as the heat generated is also utilized to produce steam that drives a secondary turbine. The operational efficiency of natural gas plants like Sugar Creek can be significantly higher than that of traditional coal-fired plants, often exceeding 60% in combined-cycle systems.
In terms of environmental impacts, Sugar Creek Power represents a more environmentally friendly option within the fossil fuel spectrum. Natural gas plants emit significantly lower amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter compared to coal plants, which contributes to improved air quality. However, it is important to note that while natural gas combustion produces fewer greenhouse gases than coal, it is still a fossil fuel and contributes to carbon emissions. Furthermore, the extraction and transportation of natural gas can lead to methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas, which presents challenges in terms of overall climate impact.
Regionally, Sugar Creek Power plays a crucial role in supporting the energy needs of northern Indiana and its surrounding areas. As a reliable source of electricity, it helps to stabilize the grid, especially during peak demand periods. The plant is integral to NIPSCO's strategy of integrating renewable energy sources into their portfolio, as natural gas plants can quickly ramp up production to meet fluctuations in energy demand that may arise from the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. This flexibility enhances the reliability of the energy supply in the region, making Sugar Creek Power a key asset in the ongoing evolution of the United States' energy landscape.
In summary, Sugar Creek Power exemplifies the transition towards cleaner energy generation in the U.S. Its capacity, efficiency, and role in the regional energy market underscore the importance of natural gas as a bridge fuel in the journey towards a sustainable and resilient energy 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.
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