Colusa Generating Station - 712.4 MW Gas Power Plant in California, USA

Colusa Generating Station is a natural gas-fired power plant located in California, United States. With a capacity of 712.4 MW, it operates as a medium-to-large scale facility within the state's diverse power generation portfolio. The plant is owned and operated by Pacific Gas & Electric Co., a major utility serving northern and central California. The facility utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a common choice for flexible and relatively lower-emission fossil fuel generation. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards and state-level emissions regulations from the California Air Resources Board. Colusa Generating Station plays a role in meeting California's electricity demand, particularly during peak periods when gas plants provide dispatchable power to complement renewable sources. Its location in the Central Valley positions it to serve agricultural and urban loads. The facility's environmental impact is managed through permits and compliance with air quality standards, contributing to the region's energy reliability.

The plant's gas-fired operation produces lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in California's Central Valley, an area with air quality challenges, means it operates under stringent state and federal emissions limits. The facility's capacity of 712.4 MW places it in a moderate scale band, with potential for efficient generation if using modern combined-cycle technology.