World Power Plants

Kern River Cogeneration300 MW Natural Gas

GasVerified: Jul 2026

Kern River Cogeneration is a notable power generation facility located in the United States, specifically at coordinates 35.4515, -118.9849. This gas-fired power plant has a capacity of 300 MW and has been serving the energy needs of the region since its commissioning in 1985. Operated by Kern River Cogeneration Co, the facility plays a vital role in California's energy landscape, which is characterized by a diverse mix of energy sources. The plant utilizes advanced gas turbine technology, allowing for efficient energy generation that aligns with California’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a cogeneration facility, it not only generates electricity but also provides thermal energy, enhancing overall energy efficiency. The strategic location of the Kern River Cogeneration plant enables it to effectively contribute to the local grid and support the state’s renewable energy initiatives by providing a reliable source of backup power. This capability is particularly important given California's ambitious renewable energy goals and the increasing integration of variable energy sources like solar and wind. The operational context of the plant is further enhanced by its alignment with state energy policies aimed at promoting cleaner energy sources and ensuring grid reliability. Overall, Kern River Cogeneration is an essential component of the energy generation landscape in California, contributing to both the local economy and environmental objectives.

Capacity
300 MW
Commissioning Year
1985

41 years old

Owner
Kern River Cogeneration Co
Location
35.4515°, -118.9849°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,124. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #6,026 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,258 of 5,146 Natural Gas plants worldwide
  • 0.02% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

41 years in operation

Natural Gas fleet average: 26.9 years

Operator portfolio

Kern River Cogeneration Co operates 1 plants totalling 300 MW

Regional density

227 plants within 100 km, 15,673 MW combined

Nearest plant: Kern River Eastridge Cogen (2.4 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 35.451500, -118.984900
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint490 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
579.5 Kt
1183 GWh/year × 490 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
23.76 Mt
Over 41 years of operation
Past Retirement
2015
11 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
126.0K
cars per year
77.3K
homes per year
26.3M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Gas
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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