Overview
Central CA Fuel Cell 1 is a 2.8 MW gas power plant in California, United States, owned by Clearway Energy Inc. The facility is operational and contributes to the region's power generation mix.
Central CA Fuel Cell 1 is a gas power plant located in central California, United States, with an operational status. Owned by Clearway Energy Inc, the facility has a capacity of 2.8 MW, placing it in the small-scale category for gas power generation. The plant's precise location is at latitude 36.1835 and longitude -119.3743. As a gas-fired facility, Central CA Fuel Cell 1 operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and its associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. Gas power plants typically have lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter compared to coal plants, but still contribute to nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The plant's small capacity suggests it may serve local grid needs or provide peaking power. The facility's role in California's power grid is part of the state's diverse energy mix, which includes a significant share of renewables. Gas plants like this one provide flexibility to balance intermittent renewable sources. The plant's environmental impact is moderated by its small size and the use of natural gas, which has a lower carbon footprint than coal. Clearway Energy Inc is a major renewable energy developer, and this plant may be part of a broader portfolio of clean energy assets.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its small capacity (2.8 MW) limits its overall environmental footprint. Located in central California, the facility operates in an area with air quality regulations under the EPA's NAAQS, which may impose emission limits. California's stringent environmental standards require modern emission controls for gas power plants.
Frequently asked questions
Central CA Fuel Cell 1 is located in central California, United States, at coordinates 36.1835° N, -119.3743° W.
The facility has a capacity of 2.8 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale gas power plant.
The plant is owned by Clearway Energy Inc, a company focused on renewable and conventional energy assets.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for air quality, the Acid Rain Program for SO2 emissions, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) for NOx and SO2 transport.
As a gas plant, it emits CO2 and NOx but at lower levels than coal plants. Its small capacity minimizes its overall environmental footprint, and it operates under EPA regulations.