Natural gas energy has its drawbacks (see, for example, “Gasland”), though it’s cleaner burning than coal. But that’s not what makes NV Energy’s new combined-cycle, natural gas-driven power plant addition in Nevada so noteworthy.

The 484-megawatt addition to the existing 144-megawatt Harry Allen Generating Station north of Las Vegas will enable the utility to meet about 80 per cent of the peak energy needs of southern Nevada … no small feat. But the really outstanding feature of the new facility is its water efficiency, something that’s beyond important in a desert environment like Nevada.

According to NV Energy, the plant’s dry-cooling system allows it to generate electricity while using just 6 per cent of the water required by similar-type facilities. Other technology improvements at the station ensure that 75 per cent of the water used is recycled rather than wasted.

And if natural gas is still a carbon-based fossil fuel, the new addition will burn it more efficiently and cleanly than other plants.

“The emission rates for the new facility are among the lowest in the industry, and the amount of electricity generated for a specific amount of natural gas fuel will be among the best in the nation,” said Michael Yackira, NV Energy president and CEO.

The Harry Allen combined-cycle addition consists of two combustion turbine generators, similar to the turbines that power jet airplanes. They are combined with two heat-recovery steam generators that capture waste heat from the turbines that is then used to produce steam to power a single steam turbine generator, creating additional electricity.

Coupled with the existing plant, the addition will enable the power station to provide enough energy to supply about 375,000 homes.

• Brazil drives growing market for smarter energy, water use
• Hot water waste puts us in carbon hot water too