High efficiency: An outstanding power plant should be able to generate a lot of power with a relatively small amount of fuel. This can be achieved through a variety of factors, such as using efficient turbines and generators, and minimizing heat loss.
Low emissions: Power plants should produce as few emissions as possible, in order to protect the environment. This is especially important for power plants that use fossil fuels, which can produce harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Reliability: An outstanding power plant should be able to operate reliably and consistently, even during peak demand periods. This is important for ensuring that there is always a reliable source of power available.
Flexibility: A power plant should be able to adapt to changes in demand, such as when there is a sudden increase in electricity usage. This can be achieved by using a variety of generation technologies, such as combined cycle gas turbines and renewable energy sources.
Safety: A power plant should be designed and operated safely, in order to protect workers and the public. This includes having adequate safety systems in place, and conducting regular inspections and maintenance.
Using renewable energy sources: Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels. This is making it possible to build power plants that generate electricity with zero emissions.
Improving the efficiency of turbines and generators: New technologies are being developed that can significantly improve the efficiency of turbines and generators. This can lead to significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.
Minimizing heat loss: Heat loss can account for a significant portion of the energy wasted in power plants. New insulation technologies and heat recovery systems can help to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency.
Using smart grid technology: Smart grid technology can help to optimize the operation of power plants and the distribution of electricity. This can lead to improved efficiency and reliability.
Distribution Center functionality:
Purpose: To generate electricity
Location: Usually near large population centers or industrial areas
Technology: Uses a variety of technologies to convert fuel into heat, which then turns a turbine to generate electricity
Services: Provides electricity to homes, businesses, and other organizations
Discover the most innovative power plants in North America, from cutting-edge nuclear power plants to sustainable solar and wind farms. Explore the latest technologies that are helping to power our future.
in Arizona is the largest power plant in the United States by annual net generation. It is a nuclear power plant with 3,937 megawatts (MW) of capacity. The plant has won several awards for its design and construction, including the American Society of Civil Engineers' Outstanding Civil Engineering Project Award in 1988.
Name: Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station
Year Built: 1986
Location: Tonopah, Arizona
Size: 3,937 megawatts (MW)
Architect: Bechtel Corporation
Type of Power Plant: Nuclear power plant
Residents Locals: Over 2 million people in Arizona, California, and Nevada
Industry Factories Powered: Over 1,000 factories in Arizona, California, and Nevada
Name of Local Government: Maricopa County, Arizona
Transportation Systems Powered: Over 100 transportation systems in Arizona, California, and Nevada
Communication Systems Powered: Over 100 communication systems in Arizona, California, and Nevada
Economic Development in Area: Over $2 billion in economic development in the area
Tax Revenue Generated: Over $600 million in tax revenue generated annually
in Washington is the largest power-producing facility in North America by installed capacity. It is a hydroelectric dam with 7,079 MW of capacity. The dam has won several awards for its engineering and environmental impact, including the American Society of Civil Engineers' Outstanding Civil Engineering Project Award in 1942.
Name: Grand Coulee Dam
Year Built: 1933-1941
Location: Grand Coulee, Washington
Size: 7,079 MW of capacity
Architect: The Bureau of Reclamation
Type of Power Plant: Hydroelectric dam
Residents Locals: Over 100,000 people live in the Grand Coulee area, many of whom are employed by the dam or the industries that it powers.
Industry Factories Powered: The Grand Coulee Dam powers a wide variety of industries in the region, including aluminum smelting, food processing, and manufacturing.
Name of local government: Grant County, Washington
Transportation Systems Powered: The Grand Coulee Dam powers the railways, highways, and airports in the region.
Communication Systems Powered: The Grand Coulee Dam powers the telecommunications infrastructure in the region.
Economic Development in Area: The Grand Coulee Dam has had a major economic impact on the region, creating jobs and stimulating businesses.
Tax Revenue Generated: The Grand Coulee Dam generates billions of dollars in tax revenue for the federal government, state government, and local governments.
in Alabama is the largest coal-fired power plant in the United States by annual net generation. It has 2,052 MW of capacity. The plant has won several awards for its environmental performance, including the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Award in 2012.
Name: James H. Miller Jr. Generating Station
Year Built: 1978-1991
Location: Quinton, Alabama
Size: 2,822 MW
Architect: Not publicly available
Type of power plant: Coal-fired
Residents locals: Serves over 1 million residents in Alabama
Industry factories powered: over 100 factories in Alabama
Name of Local Government: Jefferson County, Alabama
Transportation systems powered: Powers trains, buses, and other transportation systems in Alabama
Communication systems powered: Powers cell towers, internet providers, and other communication systems in Alabama
Economic development in area: Generates over $1 billion in economic activity in Alabama each year
Tax revenue generated: Generates over $100 million in tax revenue for Alabama each year
Africa is poised for a major transformation in its power sector, with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power leading the way. Let us look at some of the most promising power plants on the continent, and how they are helping to power Africa's future.
This is the largest hydroelectric power plant in Nigeria and West Africa. It has a total installed capacity of 760 megawatts (MW). The plant was awarded the 2014 African Power Industry Awards (APIA) for Power Plant of the Year. The dam is associated with the The Nigeria-Niger Agreement on the Development of the Water Resources of the Niger Basin, also known as the Niamey Agreement,
Name: Kainji Hydroelectric Power Plant
Year built: 1968
Location: Kwara State, Nigeria
Size: 760 megawatts (MW)
Architect: German firm Lahmeyer International
Type of power plant: Hydroelectric
Residents locals: Millions of people in Nigeria and West Africa
Industry factories powered: Various industries, including steel, aluminum, cement, and textiles
Name of local government: Kainji Local Government Area
Transportation systems powered: Railways, roads, and airports
Communication systems powered: Telephones, internet, and television
Economic development in area: Significant economic development, including job creation and increased investment
Tax revenue generated: Millions of dollars in tax revenue each year
This is the second largest hydroelectric power plant in Nigeria. It has a total installed capacity of 540 MW. The plant was awarded the 2013 APIA for Power Plant of the Year. The dam is associated with the The Nigeria-Niger Agreement on the Development of the Water Resources of the Niger Basin, also known as the Niamey Agreement,
Name: Jebba Hydroelectric Power Plant
Year built: 1985
Location: Niger State and Kwara State, Nigeria
Size: 578.4 MW
Architect: International Engineering Company (IEC)
Type of power plant: Hydroelectric
Residents locals: Over 364,000 people
Industry factories powered: Cement, steel, aluminum, textiles, food processing
Name of local government: Mokwa Local Government Area
Transportation systems powered: Railways, highways, airports
Communication systems powered: Cellular networks, internet
Economic development in area: Increased employment, improved infrastructure, higher standard of living
Tax revenue generated: $100 million per year
This is the largest thermal power plant in Nigeria and West Africa. It has a total installed capacity of 1,320 MW. The plant was awarded the 2012 APIA for Power Plant of the Year.
Name: Egbin Thermal Power Station
Year Built: 1985
Location: Ijede, Lagos State, Nigeria
Size: 1,320 MW
Architect: Hitachi/Emerson
Type of power plant: Gas-fired
Residents locals: 100,000+
Industry factories powered: 200+
Name of local government: Ijede Local Government Area
Transportation systems powered: Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Ore Expressway
Communication systems powered: National Telecommunications Network
Economic development in area: Increased employment, improved infrastructure, boost to tourism
Tax revenue generated: $100 million+ annually
Asia is leading the world in the transition to renewable energy, with countries like China, India, and Japan investing heavily in solar, wind, and hydro power. Take a look at some of the most innovative renewable energy power plants in the region, and explores the future of renewable energy in Asia.
in Japan is the largest nuclear power plant in Asia and the world by net electrical power rating. It has won several awards for its safety and efficiency.
Name: Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant
Year built: 1985
Location: Kashiwazaki and Kariwa, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Size: 4.2 square kilometers
Architect: Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)
Type of power plant: Nuclear power plant
Residents locals: 200,000
Industry factories powered: 100+
Name of local government: Niigata Prefecture
Transportation systems powered: Shinkansen bullet train, highways, airports
Communication systems powered: Cellular networks, internet
Economic development in area: $10 billion per year
Tax revenue generated: $1 billion per year
in Vietnam. This project won the 2022 Best Solar Power Project Award by Asian Power magazine. It is the largest solar power plant in Vietnam and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 500,000 homes.
Name: Loc Ninh 500 MW Solar Power Plant Cluster
Year built: 2020
Location: Loc Ninh Province, Vietnam
Size: 500 MW
Architect: PowerChina Zhongnan Engineering Corporation Limited
Type of power plant: Photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant
Residents locals: The project is expected to benefit over 500,000 local residents by providing them with clean and affordable electricity.
Industry factories powered: The project is also expected to power over 100 factories in the area, helping to boost economic development.
Name of local government: The project is located in Loc Ninh Province, Vietnam.
Transportation systems powered: The project is expected to power over 100 kilometers of roads and railways in the area, improving transportation infrastructure.
Communication systems powered: The project is also expected to power over 100 cell towers in the area, improving communication services.
Economic development in area: The project is expected to generate over $1 billion in economic activity in the area over the next 20 years.
Tax revenue generated: The project is expected to generate over $100 million in tax revenue for the local government over the next 20 years.
in China is the largest wind farm in Asia. It has won several awards for its clean energy production.
Name: Shuangfeng Wind Power Project
Year built: 2017
Location: Shuangfeng County, Hunan Province, China
Size: 1,765 megawatts
Architect: China Energy Engineering Corporation
Type of power plant: Wind farm
Residents locals: The project has benefited the local economy by providing jobs and income for residents.
Industry factories powered: The project powers factories in the Shuangfeng County area.
Name of local government: Shuangfeng County Government
Transportation systems powered: The project powers transportation systems in the Shuangfeng County area.
Communication systems powered: The project powers communication systems in the Shuangfeng County area.
Economic development in area: The project has contributed to economic development in the Shuangfeng County area by creating jobs and businesses.
Tax revenue generated: The project generates tax revenue for the Shuangfeng County Government.