Overview
Central Valley Ag Power is a 1.5 MW biomass power plant located in California, United States. It is owned by Central Valley Ag Power LLC and is currently operational.
Central Valley Ag Power is a biomass power plant situated in California's Central Valley, United States. With a capacity of 1.5 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the biomass power generation sector. The plant is owned by Central Valley Ag Power LLC and is currently operational, contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio. As a biomass facility, Central Valley Ag Power utilizes organic materials to generate electricity. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and applicable state-level regulations in California. Biomass power plants are subject to emission standards for pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, and they often benefit from renewable energy incentives. The plant's location in the agricultural Central Valley provides access to abundant biomass feedstocks, such as agricultural residues. By converting these materials into energy, the facility supports waste management and reduces methane emissions from decomposition. Its small capacity makes it suitable for local grid support or distributed generation, contributing to community energy resilience.
Environmental context
Biomass power generation involves combustion of organic materials, which releases CO2, but is considered carbon-neutral if feedstocks are sustainably sourced. The Central Valley region has significant agricultural activity, providing a steady supply of biomass residues. Proximity to populated areas may require careful management of air emissions, particularly particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. California's stringent air quality regulations under the CAA and state laws help ensure that the plant operates within environmental limits.
Frequently asked questions
Central Valley Ag Power is located in the Central Valley region of California, United States, at coordinates 37.719700, -120.898600.
Central Valley Ag Power is a biomass power plant that generates electricity by burning organic materials such as agricultural residues.
Central Valley Ag Power has a capacity of 1.5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale biomass facility.
Biomass power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including emission limits for particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. State-level regulations, such as California's air quality rules, also apply.
Biomass power is considered carbon-neutral if feedstocks are sustainably sourced, as the CO2 released during combustion is offset by the CO2 absorbed during plant growth. However, it can emit air pollutants, so proper emission controls are necessary.