Technology
Natural gas is widely used for electricity generation worldwide. Benefits of natural gas electricity generation include the ability to quickly construct facilities in strategic locations to relieve transmission bottlenecks as well as the ability of generators to provide load following and peaking service during periods of high demand.
Furthermore, compared to the average air emissions from coal-fired generation, natural gas produces half the CO2 (carbon dioxide), less than a third of the nitrogen oxides (NOx), and only one 1% of the sulphur oxides at the power plant. 1
Simple Cycle
Gas turbines operate by burning the natural gas. Hot gasses produced during the combustion process turn the turbine and generate electricity. This type of electricity generation is typically favored for meeting peak loads, as the turbines can quickly achieve full generation capability. Plants of this type typically exhibit efficiencies as high as 35%.
Combined Cycle
The most efficient method of generating electricity from natural gas is a combined cycle unit. This configuration consists of one or more gas and steam turbines. The gas turbines operate as described above, except that the excess heat during the combustion of natural gas is directed to generate steam and turn a steam turbine. Therefore, both the gas and steam turbines generate electricity, achieving efficiencies of up to 55%.
This configuration takes advantage of the peaking capabilities of the gas turbine, in addition to the steady amount of power obtained from the steam turbine. This allows a typical natural gas plant to meet peak and intermediate demand. Further, any excess steam that is generated may be sold to neighboring buildings for district heating to achieve even greater efficiencies.
Clean Energy Contracts
As of October 31, 2009, the OPA is managing 5,440.6 MW of natural gas-fired energy generation contracts.
Under Development and Construction
Greenfield South Power Plant (280 MW) - Mississauga
Halton Hills Generating Station (631.5 MW) - Halton Hills
Oakville Generating Station (900 MW) - Oakville
In Commercial Operation
Brighton Beach Power Station (550 MW) - Windsor
Goreway Station (839.1 MW) - Brampton
Greenfield Energy Centre (1005 MW) - Sarnia
GTAA Cogeneration Plant (90 MW) - Mississauga
Portlands Energy Centre (550 MW) - TorontoSarnia Regional Cogeneration Plant (505 MW) - Sarnia
St. Clair Energy Centre (577 MW) - Sarnia
Sudbury District Energy Cogeneration Plant (5 MW) - SudburySudbury District Energy Hospital Cogeneration (6.7 MW) - Sudbury