Overview
Ameresco San Joaquin is a 4.4 MW biomass power plant in California, USA, fueled by waste. It is owned by Ameresco San Joaquin LLC and is currently operational.
Ameresco San Joaquin is a biomass power plant located in California, United States, with a capacity of 4.4 megawatts. The facility is owned by Ameresco San Joaquin LLC and operates using waste as its primary fuel source. As a small-scale biomass plant, it contributes to the local energy mix by converting waste materials into electricity. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated standards such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Biomass power plants like this one are subject to emission limits for pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The technology typically involves combustion or gasification of biomass feedstocks. This facility plays a role in waste management and renewable energy generation in California. By utilizing waste as fuel, it helps reduce landfill volumes and provides a local source of electricity. Its small capacity suggests it serves a niche role, possibly supplying power to a local grid or industrial facility. The plant's operational status indicates ongoing contribution to the region's energy portfolio.
Environmental context
The plant's use of waste as fuel reduces methane emissions from landfills and provides renewable energy. However, biomass combustion releases CO2, particulate matter, and other pollutants, which are regulated under the Clean Air Act. Located in California, the facility must comply with state-level air quality regulations, including those from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Its small capacity limits its overall environmental footprint, but proximity to populated areas could raise local air quality concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Ameresco San Joaquin is located in California, United States, near coordinates 38.0297 N, -120.9297 W.
It is a biomass power plant that uses waste as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
The plant has a capacity of 4.4 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale power generation facility.
Biomass power plants in the USA must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and state-level regulations such as those from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
By converting waste into electricity, the plant reduces landfill methane emissions and provides a renewable energy source, supporting California's renewable portfolio standards.