Overview
Big Sand Draw Plant is an 8 MW gas-fired power station in Wyoming, USA, operated by Devon Energy Production Co. It contributes to the regional energy grid with natural gas generation.
Big Sand Draw Plant is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Wyoming, United States. With a capacity of 8 MW, it operates as a small-scale plant within the broader US power generation sector. The facility is owned and operated by Devon Energy Production Co, a major player in the energy industry. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal. In the US, gas-fired power plants are subject to federal regulations under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards and the Acid Rain Program. These regulations aim to control emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. As a small gas plant, Big Sand Draw Plant likely serves local grid stability or peak demand needs. Its location in Wyoming places it in a region with significant energy infrastructure, including both conventional and renewable sources. The plant's operational status indicates ongoing contribution to the state's energy mix.
Environmental context
The plant's use of natural gas results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal-fired plants. However, methane leakage during extraction and transport can offset climate benefits. Wyoming's sparse population reduces local exposure to emissions, but the plant's small capacity limits its overall environmental footprint. Regulatory compliance with the Clean Air Act ensures emission controls are in place.
Frequently asked questions
Big Sand Draw Plant is located in Wyoming, United States, at coordinates 42.752700, -108.169700.
Big Sand Draw Plant is a gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 8 MW, using natural gas as its primary fuel.
The plant is owned and operated by Devon Energy Production Co, a major energy company in the United States.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards and the Acid Rain Program, which regulate emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
As a small gas plant, Big Sand Draw Plant likely provides peaking power or grid stability support to the Wyoming energy grid, complementing larger baseload plants.