Overview
Elk Hills Power LLC is a 623 MW gas-fired power plant located in California, United States. It operates as a key electricity generation facility in the region.
Elk Hills Power LLC is a natural gas-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 623 megawatts, situated in California, United States. The plant is operational and owned by Elk Hills Power LLC, contributing to the state's diverse energy mix. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, including standards for emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. As a gas-fired plant, it utilizes combined cycle or simple cycle technology typical for modern gas plants, offering efficient power generation with lower emissions compared to coal-fired units. Elk Hills Power LLC plays a significant role in meeting electricity demand in California, a state with ambitious renewable energy goals. The plant's gas-fired generation provides reliable baseload and peaking power, supporting grid stability and complementing intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per megawatt-hour compared to coal-fired plants, aligning with California's stringent air quality standards. Its location in Kern County, near the Elk Hills oil field, places it in an area with existing industrial infrastructure. The facility's 623 MW capacity classifies it as a large-scale gas plant, and its environmental footprint is subject to state and federal regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Elk Hills Power LLC is located in California, United States, near the Elk Hills oil field in Kern County.
Elk Hills Power LLC has a generating capacity of 623 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale gas-fired power plant.
Elk Hills Power LLC uses natural gas as its primary fuel for electricity generation.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which regulate emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants.
As a gas-fired plant, Elk Hills Power LLC provides reliable baseload and peaking power, supporting grid stability and complementing renewable energy sources like solar and wind.