The Woodbridge Energy Center 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 772.9 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 Woodbridge Energy Center, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2015, 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, Woodbridge Energy Center occupies the #248 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 772.9 MW capacity represents a 0.13% 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 Woodbridge Energy Center approximately 5.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0557% 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 2,708,242 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 246,204 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 40.5150° latitude and -74.3189° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Ravenswood (gas-fired, 2551 MW), the PSEG Linden Generating Station (gas-fired, 1740 MW), the Bergen Generating Station (gas-fired, 1400.8 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.
11 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
Woodbridge Energy Center: A Critical Component of the U.S. Energy Landscape
The Woodbridge Energy Center, located in the United States, is a significant natural gas-fired power plant with a generating capacity of 772.9 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2015, the facility plays a crucial role in the energy sector, contributing to the national grid and supporting the transition towards cleaner energy sources. As a natural gas power plant, it utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, which is known for being more efficient and producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal and oil. The combustion of natural gas releases lower levels of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which are harmful to air quality, making it a relatively cleaner option in the fossil fuel category.
The Woodbridge Energy Center is designed to operate efficiently, taking advantage of advanced technologies that enhance its performance and reduce emissions. The plant employs combined-cycle gas turbine technology, which captures waste heat from gas turbines to generate additional electricity through steam turbines. This process not only increases the overall efficiency of the plant but also minimizes the environmental footprint associated with electricity generation. As a result, the Woodbridge Energy Center aligns with national goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote a cleaner energy future.
In the context of the U.S. energy sector, the Woodbridge Energy Center serves as a vital asset for meeting electricity demand, particularly during peak usage times. Natural gas plants like Woodbridge are essential for balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. They provide a reliable backup, ensuring that electricity supply remains stable and consistent, which is paramount for the functioning of modern economies. Furthermore, the plant contributes to energy independence by utilizing domestically sourced natural gas, which is abundant in the United States.
The environmental impact of the Woodbridge Energy Center is a key consideration in its operation. While natural gas burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, the extraction, transportation, and consumption of natural gas still pose environmental challenges, including methane emissions from natural gas production and distribution networks. The management of these emissions is critical, and the facility is subject to strict regulatory standards to minimize its environmental impact.
Regionally, the Woodbridge Energy Center adds significant value to the local economy by providing jobs during both its construction and ongoing operations. It also contributes to the tax base, supporting community services and infrastructure. The presence of such a facility helps foster a reliable energy supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the area. Overall, the Woodbridge Energy Center exemplifies the role of modern natural gas plants in transitioning towards a more sustainable energy landscape while supporting economic growth and energy reliability in the United States.
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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