Overview
PATAGONIA is a 123.7 MW gas power plant in Argentina, operated by ENERGIA DEL SUR SA. It contributes to the regional power grid with natural gas-fired generation.
PATAGONIA is a gas-fired power plant located in the Patagonia region of Argentina, with a capacity of 123.7 MW. The facility is owned and operated by ENERGIA DEL SUR SA and is currently operational, serving the local energy demand. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a common choice in Argentina due to the country's abundant gas reserves. Gas plants in this region typically employ combined cycle or open cycle gas turbines, balancing efficiency and flexibility. As a medium-scale gas plant, PATAGONIA plays a role in supporting grid stability in the Patagonia region, which has a mix of hydroelectric and thermal generation. Its operation contributes to the local economy and energy security, while its environmental footprint is relatively lower compared to coal-fired plants, though greenhouse gas emissions remain a consideration.
Environmental context
The Patagonia region is characterized by low population density and strong winds, making it suitable for wind energy, but gas plants like PATAGONIA provide dispatchable power. The plant's CO2 emissions are typical for a gas facility of this size, and its proximity to populated areas is limited. Regulatory oversight under Argentine environmental laws ensures compliance with air quality standards.
Frequently asked questions
The PATAGONIA power plant is located in the Patagonia region of Argentina, with coordinates approximately 45.79°S, 67.51°W.
The PATAGONIA gas plant has a capacity of 123.7 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale facility in Argentina's power generation mix.
The PATAGONIA power plant is owned and operated by ENERGIA DEL SUR SA, an Argentine energy company.
Gas power plants in Argentina must comply with national environmental regulations, including emissions limits for NOx and SOx, and are subject to oversight by the Secretaría de Energía.
As a gas-fired plant, PATAGONIA provides reliable, dispatchable power to the Patagonia region, complementing renewable sources like wind and hydro.