Overview
Argus Cogen Plant is a 62.5 MW coal-fired power facility in California, United States, operated by Searles Valley Minerals Operations Inc. It provides cogeneration for industrial processes.
Argus Cogen Plant is a coal-fired power generation facility located in California, United States, with a capacity of 62.5 MW. The plant is owned and operated by Searles Valley Minerals Operations Inc. and is currently operational, serving the local industrial sector. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), as well as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a coal-fired plant, it utilizes subcritical technology typical of smaller-scale cogeneration units in the region. The plant's cogeneration capability contributes to energy efficiency by supplying both electricity and thermal energy to industrial processes. Its location in a mineral-rich area of California underscores its role in supporting local industrial operations, though coal combustion involves emissions of CO2, SOx, and NOx, which are regulated under federal and state environmental programs.
Environmental context
The Argus Cogen Plant is situated in a semi-arid region of California, near Searles Lake, an area known for mineral extraction. Coal combustion at this facility produces CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, which are subject to EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act. The plant's capacity of 62.5 MW places it in the small-to-medium scale for coal power, and its proximity to industrial operations may influence local air quality. Regulatory compliance with emission limits and monitoring requirements is essential for minimizing environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
Argus Cogen Plant is located in California, United States, near Searles Lake in San Bernardino County.
Argus Cogen Plant has a capacity of 62.5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale coal-fired power plant.
Argus Cogen Plant is owned and operated by Searles Valley Minerals Operations Inc., a company involved in mineral extraction and processing.
Coal power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which regulate emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
Cogeneration, or combined heat and power (CHP), involves generating both electricity and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. Argus Cogen Plant uses coal to produce electricity and steam for industrial processes, improving overall energy efficiency.