Overview
American Crystal Sugar Hillsboro is a 13.3 MW coal power plant in North Dakota, USA, operated by American Crystal Sugar Co. It supports the company's sugar processing operations.
American Crystal Sugar Hillsboro is a coal-fired power plant located in Hillsboro, North Dakota, United States. With a capacity of 13.3 MW, it is a small-scale facility primarily serving the energy needs of the adjacent sugar processing operations owned by American Crystal Sugar Co. The plant is currently operational and plays a role in the local industrial energy landscape. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a coal-fired facility, it is subject to emissions limits for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. Environmentally, the plant's coal combustion contributes to CO2 emissions and local air pollutants. Its location in a rural area of North Dakota reduces direct population exposure, but the facility must comply with state and federal environmental regulations. The plant's operational significance lies in providing reliable power for sugar production, supporting agricultural processing in the region.
Environmental context
The plant's coal combustion generates CO2, SO2, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to regional air quality impacts. Located in a rural area, it faces less population density but must adhere to EPA emissions standards. The small capacity limits its overall environmental footprint compared to larger coal plants.
Frequently asked questions
American Crystal Sugar Hillsboro is located in Hillsboro, North Dakota, United States, at coordinates 47.4376 N, -97.0631 W.
The plant has a capacity of 13.3 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale coal-fired power plant.
The plant is owned by American Crystal Sugar Co, which operates it to support its sugar processing facilities.
As a US coal plant, it must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, the Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR, which regulate SO2, NOx, and other emissions.
The primary fuel is coal, which is used to generate electricity and steam for sugar production.