The energy park concept

Abstract

In recent years the concept of clustering large amounts of electrical generating capacity (10–50 thousand megawatts) into one geographic site has been suggested as an alternative to dispersed siting of electric power plants. Such large concentrations of power generation have been called energy parks or energy centers. Interest in this energy park concept has been generated by increasing concern over environmental protection and land use. These concerns have made dispersed siting of power plants much more difficult and time consuming to undertake. As a result, utilities have been prompted to consider seriously the energy park concept as a method for meeting future electric power demands, particularly when they are forced to consider sites that are long distances from primary load centers.