Overview
Chowchilla II is a 49.6 MW gas power plant in California, owned by California Power Holdings LLC. It provides electricity to the local grid as an operational facility.
Chowchilla II is a gas-fired power generation facility located in California, United States. With a capacity of 49.6 MW, it falls within the small to medium scale for gas power plants. The plant is owned by California Power Holdings LLC and is currently operational, contributing to the state's diverse energy mix. The facility operates on natural gas, a fuel that offers lower emissions compared to coal but still produces CO2 and other pollutants. In the United States, gas power plants are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for local air quality and programs like the Acid Rain Program and CSAPR for regional emissions. California also has its own stringent emissions standards, which this plant must comply with. Chowchilla II plays a role in meeting electricity demand in the region, supporting grid reliability. Its relatively modest capacity makes it suitable for peaking or intermediate load service. The plant's location in California's Central Valley places it in an area with significant agricultural activity, where power generation supports local infrastructure.
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 location in California's Central Valley, a region with air quality challenges, means it operates under strict state and federal regulations to control NOx and SOx emissions. Typical gas plants of this scale use combined cycle or simple cycle turbines.
Frequently asked questions
Chowchilla II is located in California, United States, near coordinates 37.1073 N, -120.2485 W.
Chowchilla II has a capacity of 49.6 megawatts (MW), making it a small to medium-scale gas power plant.
Chowchilla II is owned by California Power Holdings LLC.
Gas power plants in the US are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for air quality, the Acid Rain Program for SO2, and CSAPR for regional NOx and SO2 emissions.
Gas plants produce lower CO2 emissions than coal but still emit greenhouse gases and pollutants like NOx. They are subject to emissions limits and monitoring under federal and state regulations.