Intermountain Power Plant's Closure Marks End of Coal in California
The Intermountain Power Plant in Utah, a significant source of coal power for California, is set to close in November 2025. This marks a major shift in the state's energy landscape, driven by environmental concerns and the availability of cheaper, cleaner power sources.
The plant, which has been gradually shutting down, will cease operations with the closure of its last remaining turbine. This decline in coal power generation is part of a broader trend across the U.S. In 2023, coal plants generated only 16.2% of the country's electricity, a significant drop from 48.5% in 2007. This shift is largely attributed to the growing competitiveness of solar, wind, and natural gas sources.
In anticipation of the Intermountain plant's closure, Los Angeles is building a pioneering power plant across the street. This plant will initially operate on a mix of 70% natural gas and 30% hydrogen, transitioning to 100% hydrogen as technology advances. The hydrogen used will be 'green,' produced from renewable electricity and stored in underground salt caverns. The operator of this new hydrogen power plant is Magnum Development.
Los Angeles' commitment to low-cost, clean power has been evident in recent years. The city's Department of Water and Power has invested in projects like a record-cheap solar-plus-storage plant that opened in 2025. As a result, California's electricity mix has seen a significant shift, with only 2.2% coming from coal in 2024, and over 60% generated by solar panels, wind turbines, and other climate-friendly sources.
The closure of the Intermountain Power Plant in 2025 will signal the end of coal power in California. While there may still be trace amounts of coal in the state's energy mix from out-of-state imports and mining operations, the shift towards cleaner, cheaper power sources is clear. The new hydrogen power plant in Los Angeles, a first-of-its-kind, will play a crucial role in this transition.
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