Overview
Loma Linda University Cogen is a 13.1 MW gas power plant in Loma Linda, California, owned by Loma Linda University. It provides on-site cogeneration for the university campus.
Loma Linda University Cogen is a natural gas-fired cogeneration facility located in Loma Linda, California, United States. With a capacity of 13.1 MW, it is a small-scale power plant that serves the energy needs of Loma Linda University. The plant is currently operational and owned by the university. The facility operates on natural gas, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal, and uses cogeneration technology to produce both electricity and thermal energy. This improves overall efficiency by capturing waste heat for heating or cooling purposes. In the United States, such facilities are subject to emissions regulations under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards and the Acid Rain Program. As a cogeneration plant integrated into a university campus, Loma Linda University Cogen enhances energy reliability and reduces the institution's carbon footprint compared to separate heat and power generation. It supports the university's operations and contributes to local grid stability in the San Bernardino area.
Environmental context
The plant's use of natural gas results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal-fired plants. Its small capacity and cogeneration design minimize environmental impact. Located in a semi-arid region of Southern California, the facility operates under strict state and federal air quality regulations, including California's cap-and-trade program and the South Coast Air Quality Management District rules.
Frequently asked questions
Loma Linda University Cogen is located in Loma Linda, California, United States, at coordinates 34.0504° N, -117.2484° W.
It is a natural gas-fired cogeneration plant that produces both electricity and thermal energy for Loma Linda University.
The plant has a capacity of 13.1 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale power generation facility.
Gas power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for emissions of NOx, SO2, and particulate matter, as well as state-level regulations such as California's cap-and-trade program.
Cogeneration improves overall efficiency by using waste heat for heating or cooling, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to separate heat and power generation.