Overview
Copper is a 86.9 MW gas power plant operated by El Paso Electric Co in Texas, United States. It provides electricity to the regional grid.
Copper is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Texas, United States, with a capacity of 86.9 MW. The plant is owned and operated by El Paso Electric Co, a utility serving the region. As a gas power plant, it contributes to the local energy mix, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial demand. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). Gas-fired plants like Copper typically employ combined cycle or simple cycle technology, with modern units achieving higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to older coal-fired plants. Copper plays a role in grid reliability and energy supply within the El Paso Electric service area. Its gas-fired operation offers flexibility to meet peak demand and integrate renewable energy sources. The plant's environmental footprint is influenced by its fuel type, capacity, and operational practices, with natural gas producing lower CO2 emissions per MWh than coal.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal-fired plants, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in Texas, a state with significant oil and gas production, means the plant operates within a region with established infrastructure for natural gas supply. Proximity to populated areas may influence local air quality considerations, though modern gas plants are subject to EPA emissions limits.
Frequently asked questions
The Copper gas power plant is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 31.756900, -106.375000.
The Copper power plant has a capacity of 86.9 megawatts (MW) and operates on natural gas.
The Copper power plant is owned and operated by El Paso Electric Co, a utility company serving the region.
Gas power plants in the United States are subject to the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which regulate emissions of pollutants like SOx, NOx, and particulate matter.
The Copper plant provides 86.9 MW of gas-fired generation to the El Paso Electric grid, supporting peak demand and grid reliability, and complementing renewable energy sources.