Overview
Bear Valley Power Plant is an 8.4 MW gas-fired power station in California, United States, operated by Golden State Water Company. It serves the local grid with natural gas generation.
Bear Valley Power Plant is a gas-fired power generation facility located in California, United States. With a capacity of 8.4 MW, it is a small-scale plant within the US power sector, primarily serving local energy needs. The facility is owned and operated by Golden State Water Company, a private utility. The plant operates on natural gas, a fuel that offers lower emissions compared to coal but still contributes to CO2 and NOx output. As a gas plant, it likely uses combustion turbine or reciprocating engine technology, common for smaller peaking or distributed generation units. The facility is subject to US EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards and state-level California Air Resources Board (CARB) rules. Bear Valley Power Plant plays a role in supporting grid reliability in its region, particularly during peak demand periods. Its relatively small capacity and gas fuel type position it as a flexible generation source, complementing renewable energy integration. The plant's operational status indicates ongoing contribution to the local power supply.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but still produces greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants like NOx. Located in California, it operates under stringent state air quality regulations, including CARB's cap-and-trade program and local air district rules. Its small capacity limits its overall environmental footprint, but proximity to populated areas may necessitate emission controls.
Frequently asked questions
Bear Valley Power Plant is located in California, United States, at coordinates 34.2506, -116.9025.
Bear Valley Power Plant has a capacity of 8.4 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale gas power plant.
Bear Valley Power Plant is owned by Golden State Water Company, a private utility operating in California.
Gas power plants in the US are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for emissions of NOx, SO2, and CO2. State-level regulations, such as California's CARB rules, may impose additional requirements.
Small gas power plants like Bear Valley produce lower CO2 emissions per MWh than coal plants but still emit greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Their environmental impact is limited by their small capacity, but they must comply with local air quality regulations.