Overview
Lone Star is a 40 MW gas power plant in Texas, United States, operated by Southwestern Electric Power Co. It supplies electricity to the regional grid.
Lone Star is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Texas, United States, with an operational capacity of 40 megawatts. The plant is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Co, a utility serving the region. As a gas power plant, it contributes to the diverse energy mix of the state. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency, including the Clean Air Act and its associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. The 40 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for gas power plants in the US. Lone Star plays a role in meeting local electricity demand and supporting grid reliability. Its gas-fired technology offers operational flexibility, allowing it to respond to fluctuations in power demand. The plant's location in Texas aligns with the state's significant natural gas infrastructure and energy market dynamics.
Environmental context
As a gas-fired power plant, Lone Star's environmental footprint is primarily associated with carbon dioxide emissions from natural gas combustion, though these are lower per MWh compared to coal. The plant's 40 MW capacity and location in a region with moderate population density influence its local air quality impact. Regulatory programs like the Clean Air Act's National Ambient Air Quality Standards and the Acid Rain Program set emission limits that the facility must meet. The use of natural gas as fuel reduces sulfur dioxide and particulate matter emissions relative to coal-fired generation.
Frequently asked questions
The Lone Star power plant is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 32.9215, -94.7226.
Lone Star is a gas power plant, meaning it generates electricity by burning natural gas.
The Lone Star power plant is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Co.
Gas power plants in the United States must comply with the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which set limits on emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants.
With a capacity of 40 MW, Lone Star is considered a small-to-medium scale gas power plant. Larger gas plants can exceed 500 MW, while smaller ones may be under 10 MW.