Overview
Cholla is a 839.9 MW coal power plant in Arizona, United States, operated by Arizona Public Service Co. It supplies electricity to the regional grid.
Cholla is a coal-fired power generation facility located in Arizona, United States, with a capacity of 839.9 MW. Owned and operated by Arizona Public Service Co, the plant plays a significant role in the state's energy mix, contributing to baseload power supply. As a coal plant, it operates within the context of the US EPA's Clean Air Act regulations, including the Acid Rain Program and CSAPR, which govern emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants. The plant's capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for coal power plants in the US. The facility is subject to federal and state environmental regulations, including emission limits and monitoring requirements under the Clean Air Act. Arizona's energy landscape includes a mix of coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable sources, with coal plants like Cholla providing stable power but facing increasing regulatory and economic pressures. Environmentally, coal power generation is associated with significant CO2 emissions, as well as SOx and NOx that contribute to acid rain and smog. Cholla's location in Arizona, a state with growing population and energy demand, means its operations are relevant to local air quality and public health. The plant's age and technology level influence its efficiency and emission profile. Despite regulatory compliance, coal plants generally have a higher environmental footprint compared to natural gas or renewable alternatives.
Environmental context
Coal power generation like Cholla's involves substantial CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change, and releases SOx and NOx that can affect local air quality and ecosystems. The plant's location in Arizona, a region with arid climate and sensitive habitats, means emissions may impact nearby communities and natural areas. Regulatory frameworks such as the EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) aim to reduce interstate pollution transport, but coal plants remain a significant source of emissions.
Frequently asked questions
The Cholla power plant is located in Arizona, United States, at coordinates 34.9394 N, -110.3033 W.
Cholla has a capacity of 839.9 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large coal-fired power plant.
The Cholla power plant is owned by Arizona Public Service Co, a major utility in the state.
Coal power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which set limits on SO2, NOx, and other emissions.
Cholla uses coal as its primary fuel, which is typical for baseload power generation but has higher environmental impacts compared to natural gas or renewables.