Palomar Energy Center
The Palomar Energy Center, located in Escondido, CA.
New, modernized energy centers are a key piece of our regional energy plan.
The Palomar Energy Center in Escondido, which started service in 2006, is the first large-scale new power-generation facility to be built in San Diego County in three decades.
It can generate up to 550 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to supply approximately 360,000 homes.
But that impressive fact alone is not what makes Palomar an example of energy industry excellence.
Energy Efficient
Palomar Energy Center uses the latest technology to improve performance.
45% more electricity
Palomar produces 45% more electricity than older facilities using the same amount of natural gas.
Environmental Stewardship
This state-of-the-art facility uses clean natural gas and the best available control technology to minimize air emissions that result from the electricity generation process.
Low Emissions
Palomar's air permit is very strict and has some of the lowest emission limits in the state and nation.
Natural Gas, Cleanest-Burning fossil Fuel
As the cleanest-burning fossil fuel available, natural gas is better for the environment than other fossil fuels. That's why it's a major part of our regional energy plan.
Conscientious About Water Use
A lot of water, roughly 2-3 million gallons daily, is required for the continuous production of electricity at Palomar. Because of this, Palomar is very conscientious about its water use and only uses reclaimed water (the same purple-pipe water used for landscaping and golf courses) when producing electricity.
Care for the Community
Water Vapor vs. Smoke
The white plume often seen above the Palomar Energy Center is clean water vapor, not smoke.
By recovering exhaust heat from its combustion processes, Palomar is able to convert water into steam and use steam to generate electricity.
In this process, some of the steam escapes and rises skyward. As the steam rises into the cooler air above, it cools and condenses, forming the visible white plume.
This process is similar to how clouds are formed
Palomar's white plume is most notable at night and early morning. This plume is especially prevalent in winter, when the ambient air temperature is cooler.
Designed to be close to the urban center of Escondido without being intrusive to neighbors, Palomar was built in the industrialized area of Escondido's Research and Technology Center.
Much of the facility is below grade, which reduces plant noise and makes it more visually appealing to its neighbors.
In addition to its local taxes, fees, and other donations, Palomar purchases all of its reclaimed water from the local water district, providing valuable revenue to the local economy.
Award Winner
We are proud of the industry recognition that Palomar has received for innovatively serving the region's electricity needs, while carefully protecting the environment and contributing to the local community.
- 2008 Best Practices Award for Environmental Stewardship
- 2007 Pacesetter Plant Award
- 2006 Honorable Mention in Environmental Protection Magazine's "Five Facilities of the Year"