The Best Gas Thermal Power Plants
Traditionally, Cele Mai Bune Centrale Termice pe Gaz, natural gas or heating oil activate a turbine that in turn powers an electric generator that produces electricity. In some power plants, the hot exhaust is harnessed to make steam that powers a second turbine and generates additional electricity. These are called combined cycle gas turbines or CCGTs.
Efficiency and Performance of the Best Gas Thermal Power Plants
CCGTs can operate at a much higher capacity factor than simple-cycle gas turbines, which are typically used for peaking and grid firming. Moreover, they can ramp up quickly to cover unexpected peaks in demand or to compensate for falls in the output of intermittent renewable energies.
These power plants also have a lower environmental impact than fossil fuel-based ones because they consume less coal and other fossil fuels. They are also quieter and emit less CO2.
The Lincoln CCGT Plant, developed by Duke Energy Carolinas, has a total capacity of 2,290MW. Using GE’s large block HA gas turbine, the plant offers enhanced flexibility with its ability to start up within 30 minutes and provide high efficiency and low NOx emissions. It can even run on liquefied natural gas.