Overview
Cedar Bayou 4 is a 535.5 MW gas-fired power plant in Texas, United States, owned by NRG Cedar Bayou Development Company LLC. It operates under US EPA regulations including the Clean Air Act.
Cedar Bayou 4 is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Texas, United States, with a capacity of 535.5 MW. The plant is owned by NRG Cedar Bayou Development Company LLC and is currently operational. As a gas power plant, it contributes to the regional electricity grid, serving industrial and residential customers in the area. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). Gas-fired power plants of this scale typically use combined cycle or simple cycle technology, offering efficient power generation with lower emissions compared to coal-fired plants. Cedar Bayou 4 plays a role in meeting the energy demands of the Gulf Coast region, an area with significant industrial activity. Its gas-fired technology aligns with the broader trend in the US towards cleaner fossil fuel generation, supporting grid reliability while adhering to federal emission standards.
Environmental context
Gas-fired power plants like Cedar Bayou 4 produce lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal plants, but still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The facility's location in Texas, a state with high energy demand and a mix of industrial and urban areas, means its operations are subject to local air quality regulations. Proximity to populated areas may require adherence to stricter emission controls to protect public health.
Frequently asked questions
Cedar Bayou 4 is located in Texas, United States, near the Gulf Coast. The exact coordinates are 29.7516° N, -94.9231° W.
Cedar Bayou 4 has a capacity of 535.5 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large gas-fired power plant.
Cedar Bayou 4 is owned by NRG Cedar Bayou Development Company LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Energy.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). They also fall under New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for greenhouse gases.
Gas-fired plants like Cedar Bayou 4 produce significantly lower sulfur dioxide (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2) per megawatt-hour compared to coal plants, making them a cleaner fossil fuel option.