The University Park North 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 726 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 LSP University Park LLC, 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, University Park North occupies the #267 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 726 MW capacity represents a 0.12% 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 University Park North approximately 5.9 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0524% 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 2,543,904 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 231,264 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 41.4425° latitude and -87.7514° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Elwood Energy LLC (gas-fired, 1728 MW), the Joliet 29 (gas-fired, 1320 MW), the Lincoln Generating Facility (gas-fired, 692 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
University Park North Power Plant: A Key Player in the U.S. Energy Landscape
The University Park North Power Plant, located in the United States, is a significant energy facility with a capacity of 726 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2002 and owned by LSP University Park LLC, this gas-fired power plant plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributes to the broader energy sector of the country. As a natural gas facility, it utilizes a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal or oil, which positions it as a more environmentally friendly option in the fight against air pollution and climate change.
The choice of natural gas as the primary fuel source for the University Park North Power Plant is notable for several reasons. Natural gas is composed mainly of methane, which, when burned, produces significantly lower emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter relative to traditional fossil fuels. This characteristic makes gas power plants an essential part of the transition towards a more sustainable energy model in the United States. Additionally, natural gas power plants can quickly ramp up or down based on energy demand, making them an ideal complement to intermittent renewable resources like wind and solar. This flexibility is crucial for grid stability, especially as the U.S. increasingly integrates renewable energy sources into its energy mix.
The environmental impact of the University Park North Power Plant is generally considered to be lower than that of older coal-fired plants, but it is not without challenges. While natural gas combustion emits fewer pollutants, the extraction and transportation of natural gas can result in methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Therefore, ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of gas extraction and minimize leaks are essential in mitigating the overall environmental footprint of natural gas power generation.
Regionally, the University Park North Power Plant serves as a vital energy source, helping to stabilize local electricity markets and provide reliable power to homes and businesses. Its significant capacity allows it to support peak demand periods, ensuring that the region's energy needs are met even during times of high consumption. Moreover, by providing a reliable source of energy, the plant can help lower electricity costs for consumers in the area, contributing to economic stability and growth.
In conclusion, the University Park North Power Plant stands as an essential component of the U.S. energy landscape. With its focus on natural gas as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, it plays a critical role in both meeting energy demands and advancing environmental goals. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the plant's adaptability and efficiency will be key factors in its ongoing relevance and contribution to a 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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