Overview
High Sierra Limited is a 49.8 MW gas power plant in California, United States, operated by WCAC Operating Company. The facility provides power generation capacity to the local grid.
High Sierra Limited is a gas-fired power generation facility located in California, United States. With a capacity of 49.8 MW, it operates as a medium-scale plant within the state's diverse energy mix. The facility is owned and operated by WCAC Operating Company and is currently in operational status. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a common choice for flexible power generation in the United States. As a gas power plant, it likely employs combined cycle or simple cycle technology, which offers lower emissions compared to coal-fired plants. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, including standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. High Sierra Limited contributes to California's energy grid, supporting reliability and meeting demand. Its location in California places it within a state with ambitious renewable energy goals, but natural gas plants remain important for grid stability. The facility's capacity is modest compared to larger base-load plants, but it plays a role in local power supply.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal-fired generation, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in California, a state with stringent air quality regulations, means it must comply with regional emission limits. The facility's moderate capacity and gas fuel reduce its environmental footprint relative to larger or coal-fired plants.
Frequently asked questions
High Sierra Limited is located in California, United States, with coordinates approximately 35.5090° N, -119.0305° W.
High Sierra Limited has a capacity of 49.8 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale gas power plant.
High Sierra Limited is owned and operated by WCAC Operating Company.
Gas power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act, including emission limits for NOx, SO2, and particulate matter, as well as greenhouse gas reporting requirements.
High Sierra Limited provides flexible power generation to support grid reliability, complementing renewable energy sources like solar and wind in California.