The Wildcat Point Generation 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 1113.6 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 Old Dominion Electric Coop, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2018, 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, Wildcat Point Generation Facility occupies the #121 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 1113.6 MW capacity represents a 0.19% 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 Wildcat Point Generation Facility approximately 3.8 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0803% 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 3,902,054 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 354,732 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 39.7194° latitude and -76.1616° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Peach Bottom (nuclear, 2876.4 MW), the Peach Bottom Nuclear Generating Station (nuclear, 2876.4 MW), the York Energy Center (gas-fired, 1449.4 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.
1.11 GW
8 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
Overview of Wildcat Point Generation Facility: A Modern Gas-Fired Power Plant in the USA
The Wildcat Point Generation Facility is a significant natural gas-fired power plant located in the United States of America. Commissioned in 2018 and owned by the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, this facility boasts a capacity of 1113.6 megawatts (MW), making it a vital contributor to the regional energy landscape. As part of a broader shift towards cleaner energy alternatives, the Wildcat Point Generation Facility plays a crucial role in providing reliable electricity while supporting the transition from coal-based power generation to more sustainable energy sources.
Natural gas is the primary fuel utilized at the Wildcat Point Generation Facility. This fuel type is favored in modern energy production due to its efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels like coal and oil. The facility employs advanced combined-cycle technology, which allows for the simultaneous generation of electricity and the capture of waste heat for additional power production. This innovative approach not only enhances the overall efficiency of the plant but also minimizes its environmental footprint. Natural gas, as a fuel source, produces significantly fewer carbon emissions when combusted, making it a cleaner option for electricity generation.
The environmental impact of the Wildcat Point Generation Facility is a critical consideration in its operation. The facility's reliance on natural gas helps reduce the overall carbon dioxide emissions associated with electricity generation in the region. Additionally, the plant is equipped with advanced emissions control technologies that further mitigate pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These measures contribute to improved air quality and help meet stringent regulatory requirements aimed at protecting the environment and public health.
Regionally, the Wildcat Point Generation Facility serves as a key asset in the energy grid, particularly for the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative's member utilities. By providing a stable and responsive power supply, the facility enhances grid reliability and supports the growing demand for electricity in a region that is experiencing demographic and economic growth. As the nation continues to pursue energy independence and sustainability, facilities like Wildcat Point are essential for balancing energy production with environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, the Wildcat Point Generation Facility exemplifies the evolution of the energy sector in the United States, showcasing a commitment to cleaner energy generation through the use of natural gas. Its advanced technology and strategic significance underscore the importance of transitioning to more sustainable energy sources while ensuring a reliable electricity supply for the 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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