The Vandolah Power Station 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 728 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize oil as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Vandolah Power Co 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, Vandolah Power Station occupies the #265 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 728 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 Vandolah Power Station approximately 5.9 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0525% 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 2,550,912 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 231,901 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 27.5236° latitude and -81.9240° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Manatee (oil-fired, 2951.2 MW), the Hines Energy Complex (gas-fired, 2234 MW), the Polk (gas-fired, 1492.5 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
Vandolah Power Station: A Key Player in the U.S. Energy Landscape
Vandolah Power Station, commissioned in 2002, is a significant natural gas-fired power plant located in the United States, with a total capacity of 728 megawatts (MW). Owned by Vandolah Power Co LLC, this facility plays a vital role in the energy sector, contributing to the reliability and efficiency of the national power grid. As a gas-powered plant, Vandolah utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is known for its relatively lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil-based energy production. This characteristic positions the Vandolah Power Station as a more environmentally friendly alternative, aligning with the growing emphasis on cleaner energy generation methods in the United States. The operational efficiency of gas-fired plants like Vandolah is enhanced by the ability to quickly ramp up or down in response to electricity demand, making them essential for balancing the supply and demand dynamics of the grid, especially as renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, become more prevalent. The Vandolah Power Station is equipped with advanced turbine technology, which maximizes the conversion of natural gas into electricity while minimizing waste and emissions. Additionally, the facility employs modern emissions control systems to further reduce the environmental footprint of its operations. In terms of regional significance, Vandolah Power Station serves as a critical energy source for the surrounding areas, providing a stable supply of electricity to both residential and industrial consumers. Its location strategically supports the local economy by ensuring a reliable power supply, which is essential for business operations and community development. The plant also contributes to energy security by diversifying the fuel mix available in the region, thereby reducing dependence on any single energy source. Furthermore, as the U.S. transitions towards a more sustainable energy future, facilities like Vandolah are crucial in bridging the gap between traditional fossil fuel reliance and the integration of renewable energy technologies. Overall, Vandolah Power Station exemplifies the role of modern gas-fired power plants in the contemporary energy landscape, highlighting their importance in meeting energy demands while addressing environmental concerns.
United States of America — Energy Profile
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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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