Possum Point facts for kids
Possum Point is a small piece of land that sticks out into the water in Northern Virginia. It's located near Washington, D.C., and it separates Quantico Creek from the big Potomac River.
A company called Dominion Virginia Power runs a power plant here. This area also has a lot of history from the American Civil War. A nearby hill, called Possum Nose, was once the site of a fort built by the Confederate army.
The Possum Point Power Plant
The Possum Point Power Station is a big plant owned by Dominion Virginia Power. This plant helps make electricity for many homes and businesses in the northern suburbs of Washington, D.C..
Originally, the plant burned coal to make electricity. But in 2003, it was changed to burn cleaner fuels like natural gas and oil. In the same year, a new type of unit called a "combined cycle" unit (Unit 6) was added. This unit is very efficient because it uses both gas and steam to create power.
How the Power Plant Works
Power plants like Possum Point create electricity. They do this by burning fuel, which heats water to make steam. This steam then spins large turbines, which are connected to generators that produce electricity.
Here's a look at the different parts (or "units") of the plant:
| Unit Number | Fuel Used | What Happened to It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coal | No longer used (retired) |
| 2 | Coal | No longer used (retired) |
| 3 | Natural Gas | Changed from coal in 2003 |
| 4 | Natural Gas | Changed from coal in 2003 |
| 5 | Oil | Uses a specific type of oil |
| 6 | Oil and Natural Gas | A new, efficient unit added in 2003 |
Civil War History at Possum Point
During the American Civil War, many forts were built along the Potomac River. Possum Nose was one of these important sites. It was known as Cockpit Point Battery.
The Confederate soldiers built this fort. It helped them stop supplies from reaching Washington, D.C. by blocking the Potomac River. The fort is located between two other important Civil War sites: Freestone Point Battery in Leesylvania State Park and Quantico, Virginia.
