Overview
BP Carson Refinery is a 13.5 MW gas power plant in Carson, California, United States. It is operated by Tesoro Carson Refinery and supports local industrial energy needs.
BP Carson Refinery is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Carson, California, United States. With a capacity of 13.5 MW, it is a small-scale plant within the U.S. power generation sector, primarily serving the energy demands of the adjacent refinery operations. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). As a gas-fired facility, it benefits from lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter compared to coal-fired plants, though it still falls under emission monitoring and reporting requirements. As a cogeneration or dedicated power unit for a refinery, this plant plays a critical role in ensuring reliable energy supply for industrial processes. Its location in the Los Angeles Basin places it in a region with stringent air quality regulations, emphasizing the importance of compliance with state and federal emission standards.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired technology results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal, but its location in the densely populated Los Angeles Basin means it operates under strict air quality regulations. The facility's small capacity limits its overall environmental footprint, but it must comply with California's stringent emission standards and the EPA's regional haze and ozone programs.
Frequently asked questions
BP Carson Refinery is located in Carson, California, United States, at coordinates 33.815300, -118.235800.
BP Carson Refinery is a gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 13.5 MW, primarily serving the energy needs of the adjacent refinery.
The plant is owned and operated by Tesoro Carson Refinery.
Gas power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), as well as state-level emission standards.
With a capacity of 13.5 MW, BP Carson Refinery is a small-scale gas plant, typical for industrial cogeneration or backup power, compared to large utility-scale plants that can exceed 500 MW.