Ranking as the 1556th largest power generation facility in the United States, the Union Carbide Seadrift Cogen is a noteworthy player in the nation's vast energy landscape. With a capacity of 168 MW, this gas-fired plant contributes a modest 0.01% to the total national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, underscoring its role in a country dominated by gas as a fuel source. Commissioned in 1986 and operated by Union Carbide Corp-Seadrift, the facility utilizes gas turbine technology to generate electricity efficiently, making it an essential component of the local energy supply. Situated near a cluster of significant power generation facilities, Union Carbide Seadrift Cogen is surrounded by plants such as the Formosa Utility Venture Ltd with a capacity of 689.4 MW, and the Coleto Creek coal plant, which generates 622.4 MW. Other nearby gas plants include Victoria at 376.9 MW, CFB Power Plant at 310 MW, and Sam Rayburn at 215.2 MW. This proximity to larger facilities illustrates the competitive energy generation environment in the region, while also highlighting the diverse fuel mix, including coal and gas, that supports the local grid. In the broader context of the United States' energy profile, which features over 10,000 plants, the Union Carbide Seadrift Cogen plays a specialized role. The dominant fuel type across the country is gas, reflecting a national trend towards cleaner fossil fuel sources as part of the energy transition. As a contributor to this trend, the Seadrift facility helps balance the energy mix while providing essential power to the local grid. Looking ahead, the importance of the Union Carbide Seadrift Cogen cannot be understated, especially as energy demands continue to rise in the U.S. The facility’s operational efficiency and reliance on gas make it a crucial asset in the push towards more sustainable energy solutions. As the energy landscape evolves, this plant will remain a vital element in supporting both local and national electricity needs, while also potentially adapting to future technologies and renewable integration.
40 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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