Overview
McClellan (CA) is a 77 MW gas power plant operated by Sacramento Municipal Utility District in California, United States. It provides electricity to the local grid.
McClellan (CA) is a gas-fired power generation facility located in California, United States. Operated by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the plant has a capacity of 77 megawatts, placing it in the small-to-medium scale range for gas power plants. The facility is currently operational and serves the regional electricity demand. As a gas power plant, McClellan (CA) utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, which typically results in lower emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulates compared to coal, but still produces carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, including standards for greenhouse gas emissions and air quality. California's stringent state-level regulations, such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) rules, further govern its operations. The plant plays a role in supporting grid reliability in the Sacramento area, contributing to the local energy mix alongside renewable sources. Its relatively modest capacity makes it suitable for peaking or intermediate load service, helping to balance supply and demand. The facility's location in an urbanized region underscores the importance of compliance with local air quality standards.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Proximity to populated areas in Sacramento County means that NOx and other pollutants are subject to strict local air quality regulations. Typical gas plants of this scale may use combined cycle or simple cycle configurations, affecting efficiency and emissions.
Frequently asked questions
McClellan (CA) is located in California, United States, near Sacramento. The plant's coordinates are 38.652700 latitude and -121.393300 longitude.
McClellan (CA) is a gas power plant that uses natural gas as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
The plant is operated by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, a public utility serving the Sacramento area.
Gas power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for greenhouse gases and air pollutants. State-level regulations, such as those from the California Air Resources Board, may impose additional requirements.
With a capacity of 77 MW, McClellan (CA) is considered a small-to-medium scale gas power plant. Larger gas plants can exceed 500 MW, while smaller ones may be under 50 MW.