Cogeneration 2 - University of Arizona Gas Power Plant in Tucson

Cogeneration 2 is a natural gas-fired power plant located in Tucson, Arizona, owned and operated by the University of Arizona. With a capacity of 6 MW, it is a small-scale facility designed to support the energy needs of the university campus. The plant operates as a combined heat and power (CHP) system, generating both electricity and thermal energy for heating and cooling. The plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal or oil. As a cogeneration facility, it achieves higher overall efficiency by capturing waste heat for useful purposes. The plant is subject to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary gas turbines and emission limits for NOx and CO. Cogeneration 2 plays a key role in the University of Arizona's energy strategy, reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering energy costs. Its location in an urban area means it must comply with local air quality standards. The plant's small capacity and efficient technology contribute to a relatively low environmental footprint compared to larger power stations.

The plant's use of natural gas results in lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in Tucson, a city with air quality concerns, means emissions of NOx and CO are regulated under the EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The cogeneration design reduces overall fuel consumption and associated emissions by utilizing waste heat, which is beneficial for local air quality.