Overview
Chalk Cliff Limited is a 46 MW gas power plant in California, USA, operated by WCAC Operating Company. The facility contributes to regional electricity generation using natural gas.
Chalk Cliff Limited is a gas-fired power generation facility located in California, United States, with an operational capacity of 46 megawatts. The plant is owned and operated by WCAC Operating Company and is currently in operational status. As a gas power plant, it plays a role in the state's diverse energy mix, which includes significant renewable and natural gas generation. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. Natural gas plants like this one typically have lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter compared to coal-fired plants, but still contribute to nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The capacity of 46 MW places it in the small-to-medium scale range for gas power plants in the U.S. Environmentally, the plant's location in California subjects it to state-level emissions regulations, including the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. Its proximity to populated areas may influence local air quality considerations. The facility's role in the grid is likely to provide peaking or intermediate load support, helping to balance supply and demand. Overall, Chalk Cliff Limited represents a typical gas-fired plant contributing to the region's power generation infrastructure.
Environmental context
The plant's use of natural gas as primary fuel results in lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in California, a state with stringent air quality regulations, means it must comply with CARB's emissions standards. The 46 MW capacity suggests a moderate environmental footprint, with potential impacts on local air quality depending on its proximity to communities. The facility's age and technology (subcritical vs. Typical gas plants of this size may use simple-cycle or combined-cycle technology.
Frequently asked questions
Chalk Cliff Limited is located in California, United States, at coordinates 35.0968 N, -119.4299 W.
Chalk Cliff Limited has a capacity of 46 megawatts, making it a small-to-medium scale gas power plant.
Chalk Cliff Limited is owned and operated by WCAC Operating Company.
Gas power plants in the USA must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, the Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR. State-level regulations, such as those from CARB in California, may also apply.
The primary fuel used at Chalk Cliff Limited is natural gas, which produces lower emissions than coal but still contributes to CO2 and NOx emissions.