The Sweeny Cogen Facility 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 572 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 Sweeny Cogeneration LP, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1998, 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, Sweeny Cogen Facility occupies the #409 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 572 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 Sweeny Cogen Facility approximately 7.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0413% 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 2,004,288 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 182,208 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 29.0728° latitude and -95.7450° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the W A Parish (coal-fired, 4008.4 MW), the South Texas Project (nuclear, 2708.6 MW), the South Texas Project Electric Generating Station (nuclear, 2708.6 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.
28 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
Sweeny Cogen Facility: A Key Player in the U.S. Energy Landscape
The Sweeny Cogen Facility, located in the United States, is a natural gas-fired power plant that has been operational since its commissioning in 1998. With a capacity of 572 megawatts (MW), the facility plays a significant role in the energy sector, contributing to the generation of electricity that supports both residential and commercial needs across the region. Owned by Sweeny Cogeneration LP, this facility exemplifies the shift towards cleaner energy sources in the United States, as it primarily utilizes natural gas, a fossil fuel known for its lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil.
Natural gas, the fuel type employed by the Sweeny Cogen Facility, is primarily composed of methane, which is a hydrocarbon that burns cleaner than other fossil fuels. This characteristic makes natural gas an attractive option for power generation, as it produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. The facility utilizes advanced combustion technology to maximize efficiency and minimize emissions, which aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental stewardship within the energy industry. The shift towards natural gas has been a pivotal element of the United States' energy strategy, particularly as the country seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and meet international climate commitments.
In terms of environmental impact, the Sweeny Cogen Facility represents a more sustainable approach to energy generation. While it does produce carbon emissions, the use of natural gas allows for a reduction in the overall environmental footprint compared to traditional coal-fired power plants. Additionally, the facility incorporates measures to manage waste and minimize potential ecological disturbances, contributing positively to local environmental conditions. The facility is part of a broader trend in the U.S. energy sector, where the transition from coal to natural gas has been a critical factor in reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Regionally, the Sweeny Cogen Facility holds significant importance in providing reliable and efficient energy to the surrounding areas. The plant enhances the energy mix of the region, supporting both local industries and residential consumers. Its strategic location allows it to supply power to the grid effectively, contributing to the stability and resilience of the energy infrastructure. Furthermore, the facility's operation helps to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the vicinity, underlining its role in the local economy.
Overall, the Sweeny Cogen Facility stands as a testament to the evolution of energy production in the United States. Through its reliance on natural gas and commitment to reducing environmental impact, the facility not only meets the immediate energy needs of the region but also aligns with national objectives aimed at fostering a cleaner, more sustainable 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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