Overview
Cogeneration 1 is a 9 MW gas power plant operated by the University of Arizona in Tucson. It provides on-site electricity and heat for the university campus.
Cogeneration 1 is a gas-fired power plant located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. Owned and operated by the University of Arizona, the facility has a capacity of 9 MW and is classified as a small-scale gas power plant. It serves the university's energy needs, supporting campus operations. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a gas-fired facility, it benefits from lower emissions compared to coal plants, though it still contributes to local air quality considerations. Cogeneration 1 plays a key role in the University of Arizona's energy infrastructure, providing both electricity and thermal energy for heating and cooling. Its location on campus reduces transmission losses and enhances energy reliability for the university community. The plant's small scale and modern gas technology align with regional trends toward cleaner energy generation.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal or oil plants, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in an urban area (Tucson) means proximity to populated zones, requiring adherence to EPA air quality standards. The 9 MW capacity indicates a relatively small environmental footprint per unit of energy produced.
Frequently asked questions
Cogeneration 1 is located in Tucson, Arizona, United States, on the campus of the University of Arizona.
Cogeneration 1 is a gas power plant that generates electricity and thermal energy for the University of Arizona.
The plant has a capacity of 9 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale gas power plant.
As a U.S. gas power plant, Cogeneration 1 must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, the Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR, which regulate emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
The plant is owned and operated by the University of Arizona, serving the campus's energy needs.