Overview
Childrens Hospital is an 11.3 MW diesel power plant in San Diego, California, operated by DTE San Diego COGEN Inc. The facility provides backup power generation for the hospital.
Childrens Hospital is a diesel power plant located in San Diego, California, United States. With a capacity of 11.3 MW, it is a small-scale facility designed to provide emergency or backup power to the hospital. The plant is owned and operated by DTE San Diego COGEN Inc. and is currently operational. The plant uses diesel (oil) as its primary fuel, a common choice for backup generators due to reliability and quick start-up. In the United States, such facilities fall under the Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and state-level permitting. While specific emission controls are not detailed, diesel plants typically require permits for particulate matter and NOx emissions. As a dedicated hospital backup plant, Childrens Hospital plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted power for medical services during grid outages. Its location in urban San Diego means it supports community resilience, though diesel combustion contributes to local air quality considerations. The facility's small capacity limits its environmental footprint compared to larger baseload plants.
Environmental context
The plant's diesel fuel combustion emits CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, which can affect local air quality in the San Diego area. Its urban location near a hospital means emissions may impact a sensitive population. However, as a backup plant, its operational hours are limited, reducing overall environmental burden. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Air Act ensures compliance with emission standards.
Frequently asked questions
Childrens Hospital power plant is located in San Diego, California, United States, at coordinates 32.7992 N, -117.1517 W.
Childrens Hospital is a diesel power plant, which uses oil as its primary fuel to generate electricity, typically for backup or emergency power.
The plant is owned and operated by DTE San Diego COGEN Inc.
Diesel power plants in the US are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants like NOx and particulate matter, and may require state permits for emissions.
The plant has a capacity of 11.3 megawatts (MW), which is considered small-scale for power generation.