Overview
Brea Expansion Plant is a 35.7 MW biomass power facility in Brea, California, operated by Brea Power II. It converts waste into electricity, supporting local renewable energy goals.
The Brea Expansion Plant is a biomass power generation facility located in Brea, California, United States. With a capacity of 35.7 MW, it operates within the small-to-medium scale range for biomass plants, converting waste materials into electricity. The plant is owned and operated by Brea Power II and is currently operational. As a biomass facility, the Brea Expansion Plant utilizes waste as its primary fuel source, aligning with renewable energy strategies to reduce landfill use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States, biomass power plants are subject to environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act, including emissions limits for criteria pollutants such as NOx and SO2. The plant's technology and emissions controls are designed to meet these standards. The plant contributes to the local grid by providing a steady, dispatchable source of renewable power. Its location in Brea, within Orange County, supports California's ambitious renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goals. By converting waste to energy, the facility also helps manage municipal solid waste, offering environmental benefits beyond electricity generation.
Environmental context
The Brea Expansion Plant's use of waste as fuel reduces methane emissions from landfills and offsets fossil fuel-based power generation. Its location in a populated area of Southern California requires adherence to strict air quality regulations under the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The plant's emissions of NOx, SO2, and particulate matter are controlled to meet local and federal standards, minimizing impact on nearby communities.
Frequently asked questions
The Brea Expansion Plant is located in Brea, California, United States, at coordinates 33.932000, -117.840200.
The Brea Expansion Plant uses waste as its primary fuel source, classifying it as a biomass power plant.
The Brea Expansion Plant has a capacity of 35.7 megawatts (MW), placing it in the small-to-medium scale range for biomass power plants.
Biomass power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act, including emissions limits for NOx, SO2, and particulate matter. State-level regulations, such as California's Renewable Portfolio Standard, also apply.
By converting waste into electricity, the Brea Expansion Plant reduces landfill methane emissions and provides renewable power, supporting California's goal of 100% clean electricity by 2045.