Overview
Ciclo Combinado de Castelnou is an operational gas power plant in Spain with a capacity of 790.68 MW, owned by Castelnou Energia S.L. It contributes to the country's energy grid as a combined-cycle facility.
Ciclo Combinado de Castelnou is a gas-fired power plant located in Spain, owned and operated by Castelnou Energia S.L. With a capacity of 790.68 MW, it falls into the large-scale category for gas power generation in the region. The plant is operational and plays a key role in supplying electricity to the Spanish grid. The facility operates as a combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant, which is a highly efficient technology for converting natural gas into electricity. CCGT plants typically achieve higher thermal efficiency compared to conventional gas plants, reducing fuel consumption and emissions per unit of electricity generated. The plant's capacity places it among significant gas power assets in Spain, contributing to the country's energy mix alongside renewables and other thermal sources. As a gas-fired plant, Ciclo Combinado de Castelnou has a lower carbon footprint compared to coal-fired plants, aligning with Spain's transition towards cleaner energy. The plant supports grid stability and can provide flexible power to meet demand fluctuations. Its operation is subject to European Union regulations, including the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants, ensuring environmental compliance.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal or oil plants, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in a semi-arid region of Aragon may have implications for water use in cooling processes. Proximity to populated areas is moderate, with the nearest city likely being Zaragoza or Alcañiz. The plant's modern CCGT technology helps minimize environmental impact through higher efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Ciclo Combinado de Castelnou is located in Spain, with coordinates approximately 41.2167° N, -0.2928° E, in the province of Teruel, Aragon.
The plant has a capacity of 790.68 MW, making it a large-scale gas power plant in Spain.
The plant is owned by Castelnou Energia S.L., a Spanish energy company.
Gas power plants in Spain must comply with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants, which set limits on emissions of SOx, NOx, and dust.
As a combined-cycle gas plant, it provides flexible and efficient power generation, supporting grid stability and complementing renewable energy sources like wind and solar.