Overview
Clay Center is a 29.9 MW gas power plant in Kansas, USA, owned by the City of Clay Center. It provides local electricity generation for the community.
Clay Center is a gas-fired power plant located in Clay Center, Kansas, United States. With a capacity of 29.9 MW, it is a small-scale facility serving the local area. The plant is owned by the City of Clay Center and is currently operational. The plant operates on natural gas, a fuel that produces lower emissions compared to coal but still contributes to CO2 and NOx emissions. In the US, such facilities are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS and CSAPR for emissions control. This plant plays a role in meeting the electricity needs of Clay Center and surrounding areas. Its small scale and gas fuel type position it as a relatively flexible generation source, potentially supporting grid stability. The facility's environmental impact is moderate, with lower carbon intensity than coal but higher than renewables.
Environmental context
As a gas-fired power plant, Clay Center emits CO2, NOx, and other pollutants, though at lower levels than coal plants. Its location in rural Kansas reduces direct exposure to dense populations, but emissions still contribute to regional air quality. Smaller gas plants often have lower efficiency. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Air Act ensures compliance with emission limits.
Frequently asked questions
The Clay Center power plant is located in Clay Center, Kansas, United States, at coordinates 39.3740° N, -97.1272° W.
The Clay Center gas power plant has a capacity of 29.9 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale power generation facility.
The Clay Center power plant is owned by the City of Clay Center in Kansas.
Gas power plants in the US are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations limit emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
With a capacity of 29.9 MW, Clay Center is a small gas plant compared to larger combined-cycle facilities in Kansas, which can exceed 500 MW. Its small scale makes it suitable for local distribution and peak shaving.