Overview
AES Huntington Beach LLC is a 218 MW gas power plant in Huntington Beach, California, United States. It is operational and owned by AES Huntington Beach LLC.
AES Huntington Beach LLC is a natural gas-fired power generation facility located in Huntington Beach, California, United States. With a capacity of 218 megawatts (MW), it operates as a medium-scale gas power plant within the state's diverse energy portfolio. The facility is owned and operated by AES Huntington Beach LLC, a subsidiary of the AES Corporation, a global power company. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a common choice for modern power generation due to its lower emissions compared to coal. In the United States, gas power plants are subject to federal regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). California also enforces stringent state-level emissions standards, which influence the plant's operational practices and technology. AES Huntington Beach LLC contributes to the regional grid reliability and supports California's energy needs. Its coastal location in Orange County places it near major population centers, emphasizing the importance of efficient and compliant operations. The plant's role in the local energy mix underscores its significance in balancing renewable energy sources and meeting demand during peak periods.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal plants, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and urban areas in Orange County requires adherence to strict air quality regulations under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. EPA. The facility's age and technology (subcritical vs. Modern gas plants often employ combined-cycle technology for higher efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
AES Huntington Beach LLC is located in Huntington Beach, California, United States, near the Pacific coast in Orange County.
The plant has a capacity of 218 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale gas power plant.
The plant is owned by AES Huntington Beach LLC, a subsidiary of the AES Corporation, a global power company.
Gas power plants in the U.S. are regulated under the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). State-level regulations, such as those from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), also apply.
Gas power plants produce lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal plants, but still emit greenhouse gases. Modern gas plants often use combined-cycle technology for higher efficiency and reduced emissions.