Overview
North Loop is a 107.8 MW gas power plant in Tucson, Arizona, operated by Tucson Electric Power Co. The facility provides electricity to the local grid under US EPA CAA regulations.
North Loop is a gas-fired power plant located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. With a capacity of 107.8 MW, it falls within the small-to-medium scale for gas power plants in the US. The facility is owned and operated by Tucson Electric Power Co and is currently operational. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, the Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR. As a gas-fired facility, it typically has lower emissions of SOx, NOx, and CO2 compared to coal plants, though specific emission data is not detailed here. The technology likely involves combined cycle or simple cycle gas turbines, common for plants of this size. North Loop plays a role in meeting the electricity demand of the Tucson area and the broader Arizona grid. Its gas fuel source offers flexibility and lower carbon intensity relative to coal, aligning with regional trends toward cleaner power generation. The plant's operational status ensures continued contribution to local energy reliability.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal-fired units, reducing its local air quality impact. Located in the arid Southwest, water usage for cooling may be a consideration, though gas plants generally require less water than coal or nuclear. Proximity to Tucson's population center means emissions are subject to strict state and federal air quality standards under the Clean Air Act.
Frequently asked questions
The North Loop power plant is located in Tucson, Arizona, United States, at coordinates 32.401000, -111.126200.
The North Loop gas power plant has a capacity of 107.8 megawatts (MW), placing it in the small-to-medium scale for gas-fired facilities.
The North Loop power plant is owned and operated by Tucson Electric Power Co, a utility serving the Tucson area.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for local air quality, the Acid Rain Program for SO2, and CSAPR for cross-state pollution. They also face state-level emissions limits.
North Loop provides 107.8 MW of gas-fired electricity to the Tucson area, supporting grid reliability and integrating with renewable sources as part of Arizona's energy mix.