West Marinette — 187 MW Natural Gas

West Marinette stands as the 1,476th largest power generation facility in the United States, with a capacity of 187.1 MW. This gas-fired plant is part of a diverse energy portfolio that includes over 10,000 power plants across the country. In a national context, West Marinette contributes a mere 0.01% to the total capacity of 1,386,385 MW, highlighting its role as a smaller, yet essential component of the energy landscape. Commissioned in 1983, this facility utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, with an additional capability to burn oil. The technology employed at West Marinette is designed to optimize efficiency and reduce emissions, making it an important player in the nation’s transition toward cleaner energy sources. Within a 50 km radius, several nearby facilities such as West Marinette 34 (83 MW), a wind turbine (11 MW), and various hydro plants like White Rapids (9 MW) and Chalk Hill (7.8 MW) form a diverse energy cluster. This blend of generation types enhances grid reliability and flexibility in meeting demand fluctuations. Despite its relatively small share of the national capacity, West Marinette plays a crucial role in supporting local energy needs and contributing to the overall stability of the regional grid. As the U.S. energy landscape continues to evolve, the facility remains vital in balancing energy supply with increasing demand. Operated by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, West Marinette demonstrates the importance of gas-fired plants in providing backup power, especially in times of peak demand or when renewable sources are not fully available. Looking ahead, the facility’s commitment to efficiency and potential integration of more sustainable practices may further enhance its contribution to the energy transition, underscoring the crucial role of flexible power generation in a changing energy environment.