West County Energy Center
One of the largest power plants in United States of America
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 2009, West County Energy Center is a gas power plant located in United States of America with an installed capacity of 3.8 GW. It is operated by Florida Power & Light. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in United States of America.
Why It Matters
West County Energy Center provides flexible, dispatchable electricity to United States of America, with capacity to supply roughly 1.7 million US-equivalent households per year. Combined-cycle gas plants emit roughly half the CO2 per kilowatt-hour of coal, which is why many countries are using gas as a "bridge fuel" during their energy transition.
Environmental Impact
Natural gas combined-cycle plants like West County Energy Center emit roughly half the CO2 per unit of electricity that coal plants do, but they still emit substantial amounts—on the order of 8.1 million tonnes per year for a plant this size. Methane leakage from the upstream gas supply chain can also significantly affect the climate impact.
Fun Facts
- One of the 10 largest power plants in United States of America.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 1.7 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does West County Energy Center produce?▾
West County Energy Center has an installed nameplate capacity of 3.8 GW. At typical capacity factors for gas plants (~55%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 1.7 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is West County Energy Center located?▾
West County Energy Center is located in United States of America at approximately 26.7083°, -80.2917°.
When was West County Energy Center built?▾
West County Energy Center was commissioned in 2009.
Who owns West County Energy Center?▾
West County Energy Center is owned and operated by Florida Power & Light.
About Natural Gas Power
Natural gas power plants burn natural gas in a combustion turbine to generate electricity. They are more efficient and produce fewer emissions than coal plants, making them a popular choice for baseload and peaking power.
Other Natural Gas Power Plants in United States of America
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Ravenswood Generating Station | 2.5 GW | LS Power |
| ⚡Mystic Generating Station | 1.9 GW | Constellation Energy |
| ⚡Astoria Generating Station | 1.3 GW | NRG Energy |
| ⚡Bergen Generating Station | 1.2 GW | PSEG |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.