The Venice 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 586 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 Union Electric Co - (MO), which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2004, 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, Venice occupies the #397 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 586 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 Venice approximately 7.3 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0423% 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 2,053,344 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 186,668 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 38.6642° latitude and -90.1764° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Sioux (coal-fired, 1099.4 MW), the Meramec (coal-fired, 1041 MW), the Granite City Works (gas-fired, 78 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.
22 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
Venice Power Plant: A Key Gas-Fired Facility in the United States
The Venice Power Plant, located in the United States, is a significant gas-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 586 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2004, this plant is owned and operated by Union Electric Company, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, which serves a substantial portion of Missouri's energy needs. As part of the broader energy sector in the USA, the Venice Power Plant plays a crucial role in providing reliable electricity to both residential and commercial customers, contributing to the stability of the regional power grid.
The Venice Power Plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, which is a cleaner-burning alternative to coal and oil. Natural gas combustion produces fewer carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels, making it an essential component of the transition towards lower-carbon energy sources. The facility employs advanced gas turbine technology, enabling it to achieve high thermal efficiency and rapid response times to fluctuations in electricity demand. This capability is particularly important in an era where renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are becoming more prevalent but can be intermittent.
In terms of environmental impact, the Venice Power Plant's reliance on natural gas helps mitigate some of the adverse effects associated with traditional coal-fired power plants, such as higher levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter. Natural gas plants typically produce lower greenhouse gas emissions, although they are not entirely free of environmental concerns. The extraction and transportation of natural gas can result in methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas. Nevertheless, the Venice Power Plant's operation aligns with evolving regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing overall carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy practices.
Regionally, the Venice Power Plant serves as a critical asset in the energy infrastructure of Missouri and surrounding areas. Its ability to provide peaking power during high-demand periods helps ensure that the electricity supply remains stable and reliable. This capability is particularly vital during extreme weather conditions, where demand can surge. Moreover, the plant supports local economic development by creating jobs and contributing to the tax base, reinforcing its significance beyond merely serving as a power generation facility.
In conclusion, the Venice Power Plant stands as a modern example of how natural gas-fired plants can play an integral role in meeting the energy needs of a growing population while addressing environmental concerns. As the energy sector continues to evolve, facilities like Venice will be pivotal in balancing reliability, sustainability, and economic viability in the pursuit of a cleaner 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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