CPV Vaca Station energy center

Cell phones. Computers. Hand-held GPS devices.  DVD players. Flat screen TVs. Twenty years ago, the convenience and luxury offered by these devices was the stuff of science fiction. Today these technologies are an integral part of our day-to-day lives. But increased conveniences offered by these new technologies-coupled with a steady increase in California's population, creates an ever increasing demand for reliable power.

California has always been a leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy. However, with growing population, energy use continues to grow. In order to support more renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind power) more “load following” generation facilities—such as combined cycle natural gas facilities—are needed.
 

Project Overview

The CPV Vaca Station energy center will be a natural gas-powered, combined-cycle electrical generation facility nominally rated at 660 megawatts (MW) of power, located at the intersection of Lewis and Fry Roads in Vacaville, CA. Consistent with California’s strict emissions laws, the facility will be built using the most advanced and environmentally-conscious power generation technology available today.

As the demand for power increases in California, the California Independent System Operator, which operates the state’s electrical grid, has cited the need for dispatchable and flexible power facilities across the state. CPV Vaca Station energy center will generate enough electricity to power more than 600,000 homes, helping to meet the growing demand for reliable power in California.

The CPV Vaca Station energy center will provide an efficient, reliable, and predictable power supply capable of supporting the growing needs of Solano County and the Vacaville area. The efficiency of combined-cycle natural gas technology greatly reduces operational costs while increasing power output, providing operational flexibility and rapid-start and dispatch capability.  This flexibility provides support for adding more renewable energies—such as wind and solar power—to California’s diverse energy portfolio. As part of the effort to minimize the use of natural resources, the facility intends to use gray water from the nearby wastewater treatment facility.
 

Project Details

Type of Facility: Highly-efficient, super clean combined cycle (2 on 1) natural gas electric generating station.

Location: 25-acre site at the intersection of Lewis and Fry Roads in a rural area within the city limits of Vacaville in Solano County, California. 

Capacity: 660 MW

Facility On-Line: TBA

Fuel: Natural Gas

Electrical Interconnection:  New 230-kV line adjacent to Fry Road extending approximately one mile to a new 3-acre switchyard, looping into two existing 230-kV circuits: Vaca-Dixon to Lambie, and Vaca-Dixon to Peabody.