Overview
Clearwater Power Plant is a 49 MW gas-fired power plant in Riverside, California, operated by the City of Riverside. It provides electricity to the local grid.
Clearwater Power Plant is a natural gas-fired power generation facility located in Riverside, California, United States. With a capacity of 49 megawatts (MW), it operates as a medium-scale gas power plant serving the local community. The plant is owned and operated by the City of Riverside, ensuring municipal control over electricity supply. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a common choice for power generation in California due to its lower emissions compared to coal. Gas plants of this scale typically employ combustion turbine or combined cycle configurations. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated standards such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. As a municipal utility asset, Clearwater Power Plant plays a key role in local energy reliability and grid stability. Its location in Riverside, part of the greater Los Angeles area, places it within a region with high electricity demand. The plant's gas-fired operation aligns with California's transition toward cleaner energy sources, though it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The facility supports the city's power needs and integrates with broader state energy policies.
Environmental context
The Clearwater Power Plant operates in Riverside, California, a region with strict air quality regulations due to its location in the South Coast Air Basin. Natural gas combustion produces lower sulfur dioxide (SOx) and particulate matter compared to coal, but still emits nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The plant's 49 MW capacity places it in a moderate scale, and its proximity to urban areas necessitates compliance with local emission limits. California's cap-and-trade program and renewable portfolio standards influence the operational context, encouraging efficiency and emission reductions.
Frequently asked questions
Clearwater Power Plant is located in Riverside, California, United States, at coordinates 33.891200 N, -117.608500 W.
Clearwater Power Plant is a natural gas-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 49 megawatts (MW).
The plant is owned and operated by the City of Riverside, California.
Gas power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). State-specific regulations, such as California's cap-and-trade program, may also apply.
As a municipal utility asset, Clearwater Power Plant provides electricity to Riverside and the surrounding area, supporting grid reliability and meeting local demand.