Barber Creek Gas Power Plant | Wyoming, United States

Barber Creek is a gas-fired power plant located in Wyoming, United States, with a capacity of 22.5 MW. The facility is owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member systems across several states. As a gas power plant, it operates within the competitive wholesale electricity market, contributing to the region's energy mix. The plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal. Gas plants of this size often utilize reciprocating engines or simple-cycle gas turbines. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and associated standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Barber Creek plays a role in meeting local electricity demand, particularly during peak periods. Its relatively small capacity suggests it may serve as a peaking plant or provide supplemental power to the cooperative's network. The plant's operational status and ownership by a cooperative highlight its importance to the rural communities served by Basin Electric.

The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in a sparsely populated area of Wyoming reduces direct exposure to large populations. Smaller gas plants may have moderate NOx emissions. Regulatory compliance with EPA standards helps mitigate local air quality impacts.