Overview
Middlebury College is a 1.4 MW biomass power plant in Vermont, United States, owned by Middlebury College Biomass. It converts waste fuel into electricity for the college campus.
Middlebury College is a biomass power plant located in Middlebury, Vermont, United States. With a capacity of 1.4 MW, it is a small-scale facility that serves the energy needs of the college campus. The plant is owned by Middlebury College Biomass and is currently operational. The plant uses waste as its primary fuel, converting it into electricity through biomass combustion. As a small-scale facility, it operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and applicable state-level emissions standards. Biomass power plants like this one are subject to emissions limits for particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), though smaller units may have simplified permitting requirements. The facility provides a renewable energy source for Middlebury College, supporting the institution's sustainability goals. By utilizing waste fuel, it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to local waste management. The plant's small capacity means it has a limited environmental footprint compared to larger power generation facilities.
Environmental context
The plant's use of waste fuel reduces landfill disposal and associated methane emissions, but biomass combustion still releases CO2 and other pollutants. Located in a rural college town in Vermont, the facility's emissions are subject to state and federal air quality regulations. The small capacity (1.4 MW) limits its overall environmental impact, but proximity to campus requires careful management of particulate matter and odor.
Frequently asked questions
The Middlebury College biomass power plant is located in Middlebury, Vermont, United States.
The plant uses waste as its primary fuel, converting it into electricity through biomass combustion.
The plant has a capacity of 1.4 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale power generation facility.
Biomass power plants in the US are regulated under the Clean Air Act (CAA), including emissions limits for particulate matter, NOx, and SO2. State-level regulations may also apply.
The plant is owned by Middlebury College Biomass, an entity associated with Middlebury College.