Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT)
A power plant that uses natural gas in two stages: first burning it in a gas turbine, then using the waste heat to produce steam for a steam turbine. This two-stage process achieves 55-63% thermal efficiency — the highest of any thermal power plant.
Why It Matters
CCGT plants generate about 43% of U.S. electricity and are the most efficient fossil fuel technology. They are also relatively quick to build (2-3 years) and can ramp output to complement wind and solar.
Related Topics
Related Terms
Heat Rate
A measure of power plant efficiency — the amount of fuel energy (in BTU) needed to produce one kilowatt-hour of electricity. Lower heat rates mean higher efficiency. A typical CCGT has a heat rate of about 6,400 BTU/kWh.
Peaker Plant
A power plant that operates only during periods of peak electricity demand — typically natural gas simple-cycle turbines that can start up in 5-15 minutes. They run a few hundred hours per year and charge premium electricity rates.