The Woodsdale 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 571.8 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 Duke Energy Kentucky Inc, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1992, 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, Woodsdale occupies the #410 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 571.8 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 Woodsdale approximately 7.5 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0412% 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 2,003,587 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 182,144 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 39.4492° latitude and -84.4611° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Lawrenceburg Power LLC (gas-fired, 1232 MW), the Miami Fort (coal-fired, 1180.8 MW), the Miami Fort Station (coal-fired, 1180.8 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.
34 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
Woodsdale Power Plant: A Key Player in Kentucky's Energy Landscape
The Woodsdale Power Plant, located in the United States, is a significant natural gas-fired power generation facility owned by Duke Energy Kentucky Inc. Commissioned in 1992, the plant has a capacity of 571.8 megawatts (MW), contributing substantially to the electricity supply in the region. As a part of Duke Energy's integrated energy portfolio, Woodsdale plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of Kentucky and surrounding areas, particularly during peak consumption periods when electricity needs are highest.
Natural gas, the fuel type utilized by the Woodsdale Power Plant, is known for its efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to traditional coal-fired power generation. The plant employs advanced combustion technologies that allow for cleaner energy production, which is essential in today's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Natural gas plants like Woodsdale provide a flexible power source, capable of adjusting output quickly to accommodate fluctuations in electricity demand, therefore enhancing grid reliability.
The environmental impact of the Woodsdale Power Plant is notably less detrimental than that of older coal-based plants. While natural gas combustion does produce carbon dioxide, the overall emissions are significantly lower than those generated from coal. Additionally, the plant's use of natural gas helps to reduce other pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can contribute to smog and acid rain. However, it is important to acknowledge that natural gas extraction and transportation can lead to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, which poses challenges for achieving overall climate goals.
Regionally, the Woodsdale Power Plant serves as an important energy resource for Kentucky, supporting economic growth and stability. As the state continues to transition towards cleaner energy sources, plants like Woodsdale are essential in providing a reliable power supply while helping to mitigate environmental impacts. The facility also plays a role in maintaining energy independence for the region, allowing for a diversified energy mix that includes both natural gas and renewable sources. This diversification is critical for enhancing energy security and supporting long-term sustainability initiatives.
Overall, the Woodsdale Power Plant stands as a vital component of the United States' energy infrastructure, particularly within Kentucky. Its operational efficiency, commitment to reducing emissions, and ability to adapt to changing energy demands underscore its importance in the national energy landscape, highlighting the ongoing shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
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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