Overview
Ocotillo is a 915.7 MW gas power plant in Arizona, operated by Arizona Public Service Co. It serves the local grid with natural gas-fired generation.
Ocotillo is a gas-fired power plant located in Arizona, United States, with a capacity of 915.7 MW. It is owned and operated by Arizona Public Service Co, a major utility in the region. The plant plays a key role in meeting the electricity demands of the surrounding area. The facility operates on natural gas, a fuel that offers lower emissions compared to coal. As a gas power plant, it likely uses combined-cycle or simple-cycle technology, common for modern gas plants. The plant's capacity places it in the large-scale category for gas power generation in the US. Ocotillo contributes to grid reliability and supports the integration of renewable energy sources by providing flexible dispatchable power. Its operational status ensures continued service to the community, aligning with Arizona's energy mix that includes natural gas, nuclear, and solar.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal plants. Its location in Arizona, a state with high solar potential, means it may operate alongside renewable sources. Proximity to populated areas could influence local air quality, but modern gas plants typically employ emission controls. The plant's age and technology (subcritical vs. supercritical vs. Typical gas plants in the US meet EPA standards under the Clean Air Act.
Frequently asked questions
Ocotillo is located in Arizona, United States, at coordinates 33.4225, -111.9122.
Ocotillo has a capacity of 915.7 MW, making it a large-scale gas power plant.
Ocotillo is owned and operated by Arizona Public Service Co, a major utility in the region.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR, which regulate emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
Ocotillo uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which produces lower emissions compared to coal.