Ontelaunee Energy Center: 728 MW Gas Power Plant in Pennsylvania, USA

Ontelaunee Energy Center is a gas-fired power plant located in Pennsylvania, United States, with a capacity of 728 MW. The facility is operational and owned by Ontelaunee Energy Center, contributing to the state's power generation mix. Natural gas is the primary fuel, positioning the plant within the broader trend of gas-fired generation in the U.S. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, including standards for emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. As a gas-fired facility, it typically has lower emissions compared to coal plants, though it still must comply with state and federal air quality regulations. The technology likely involves combined-cycle or simple-cycle gas turbines, common for modern gas plants. Environmentally, the plant's gas fuel source results in lower CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour than coal, but it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in Pennsylvania, a state with significant natural gas production, aligns with regional energy infrastructure. The facility plays a role in meeting electricity demand in the mid-Atlantic region, supporting grid reliability.

The plant's use of natural gas results in lower emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter compared to coal-fired plants, but it still emits carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Its location in Pennsylvania, near populated areas, requires compliance with local air quality standards. The facility's capacity of 728 MW places it in the medium-to-large scale for gas plants, with potential environmental impacts on local air quality and water usage for cooling.