Overview
Orchard Hills Renewable Energy Station is a 16.2 MW biomass power plant in Illinois, USA, owned by Hoosier Energy R E C Inc. It converts waste into electricity, supporting local renewable energy goals.
Orchard Hills Renewable Energy Station is a biomass power plant located in Illinois, United States, with an operational capacity of 16.2 MW. Owned by Hoosier Energy R E C Inc, the facility is currently operational and plays a role in the region's renewable energy portfolio. As a biomass plant, it utilizes waste as its primary fuel source, contributing to waste-to-energy conversion. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated emission standards. Biomass power plants of this scale are subject to New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and may participate in renewable energy credit programs. The technology typically involves combustion or gasification of biomass feedstocks, with emission controls for particulate matter and other pollutants. Orchard Hills Renewable Energy Station provides a modest but steady supply of electricity to the local grid, helping to diversify the energy mix in Illinois. By converting waste into energy, it reduces landfill use and offers environmental benefits. The facility's location in a rural area minimizes proximity to densely populated zones, aligning with typical siting considerations for biomass plants.
Environmental context
The plant's use of waste as fuel reduces methane emissions from landfills and displaces fossil fuel-based generation. Its 16.2 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category for biomass power. Emissions are regulated under the Clean Air Act, with requirements for monitoring SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. The rural Illinois location limits direct exposure to sensitive populations, though local air quality impacts are managed through state implementation plans.
Frequently asked questions
Orchard Hills Renewable Energy Station is located in Illinois, United States, at coordinates 42.142400, -89.079000.
The plant uses waste as its primary fuel, classifying it as a biomass power plant that converts waste into electricity.
The facility is owned by Hoosier Energy R E C Inc, a rural electric cooperative serving member utilities in Indiana and Illinois.
Biomass power plants in the USA are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for emissions of particulate matter, SOx, and NOx. They may also comply with state-level renewable portfolio standards.
With a capacity of 16.2 MW, the plant provides a steady supply of renewable electricity to the local grid, supporting energy diversification and waste reduction in Illinois.