World Power Plants

Ranking as the 1738th largest power generation facility in the United States, McClure holds a modest yet vital position within the energy landscape of California. With a capacity of 142.4 MW derived primarily from oil, it is the 46th largest oil plant in a country where natural gas dominates the energy sector. This facility exemplifies the state's diversified approach to energy production, contributing a small but significant 0.01% to the national capacity of 1,386,385 MW. The technology employed at McClure utilizes oil as its primary fuel, supplemented by natural gas, highlighting a transitional approach to energy generation amidst evolving market dynamics and environmental considerations. Located within proximity to several other energy plants, McClure is strategically positioned near the Walnut Energy Center, which boasts a higher capacity of 300.6 MW and operates on gas. Notably, the New Melones hydroelectric facility, delivering 300 MW, and Almond Power Plant, with a capacity of 223.5 MW, further illustrate the variety of energy sources in the area. Other nearby facilities like Woodland and Ripon Generation Station also rely on natural gas, emphasizing a regional focus on gas-fired power generation. Despite its lower capacity ranking, McClure plays a role in a broader energy cluster that supports California's grid stability. The state itself has a diverse energy profile, with a significant reliance on gas, accounting for the majority of its power generation. McClure's role in this landscape underscores the importance of maintaining a balance of fuel types to ensure reliability and sustainability. Operated by the Modesto Irrigation District, McClure was commissioned in 1980, marking over four decades of service to the local energy market. Looking forward, the facility’s operation is crucial as California continues to expand its renewable energy initiatives and transition away from fossil fuels. While McClure may not lead in capacity, its existence is a reminder of the historical context of energy production and the gradual shift towards more sustainable practices in the coming years.

Capacity
142.4 MW
Commissioning Year
1980

46 years old

Owner
Modesto Irrigation District
Location
37.6294°, -120.9314°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,789. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #8,656 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #374 of 2,478 Oil plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

46 years in operation

Oil fleet average: 28.7 years

Operator portfolio

Modesto Irrigation District operates 4 plants totalling 465 MW

Regional density

195 plants within 100 km, 13,547 MW combined

Nearest plant: Almond Power Plant (7.7 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 37.629400, -120.931400
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Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
283.8 Kt
437 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
13.05 Mt
Over 46 years of operation
Past Retirement
2010
16 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
61.7K
cars per year
37.8K
homes per year
12.9M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
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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