NRG Energy has commissioned its El Segundo Energy Center, a natural gas–fired CCGT power plant located near Los Angeles, California (US). The plant produces 550 MW, enough to supply power to nearly 450,000 homes. The fast-start, rapid response power generation employed by El Segundo delivers more than half of its generating capacity in less than 10 minutes and the balance in less than 1 hour; allowing it to back up and enable greater use of intermittent renewable technology. The El Segundo Energy Center project contributed to other significant environmental benefits, including the retirement of a less efficient, vintage, 335 MW steam boiler unit constructed in 1964 that relied on ocean water for cooling. The new Energy Center relies on reclaimed water for its state-of-the art, air-cooled, combined cycle operation, reducing the use of potable water at the site by nearly 90%. Through a 10-year power purchase agreement, Southern California Edison will obtain the entire output of the facility.
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