Overview
Belle River is a 1,664.4 MW coal power plant in Michigan, USA, operated by DTE Electric Company. It is a significant facility in the region's power generation mix.
Belle River is a coal-fired power plant located in Michigan, United States, with a capacity of 1,664.4 MW. Owned and operated by DTE Electric Company, the facility is currently operational and plays a key role in the state's electricity supply. As a coal plant, it operates within the context of the US energy sector, which is subject to federal and state regulations. The plant's technical specifications include a capacity of 1,664.4 MW, placing it among the larger coal-fired facilities in the region. The primary fuel is coal, and the plant likely employs subcritical or supercritical technology typical of its era. Regulatory oversight includes compliance with the US Clean Air Act, particularly the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which govern SO2 and NOx emissions. Environmentally, Belle River's coal combustion results in CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions, contributing to its environmental footprint. Its location in Michigan, near the St. Clair River, may influence local air and water quality. The plant serves the grid reliability needs of the region, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its continued operation reflects the ongoing role of coal in the US energy mix despite a shift toward cleaner sources.
Environmental context
Belle River's coal-fired operations produce significant CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions, impacting local air quality and contributing to regional pollution. The plant's proximity to the Great Lakes region may affect water resources through cooling water intake and thermal discharge. As a large coal facility, it is subject to stringent US EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and CSAPR, which aim to reduce acid deposition and interstate air pollution. The plant's age and technology influence its emission rates and efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Belle River is located in Michigan, United States, near the St. Clair River, with coordinates 42.7756 N, -82.4950 W.
Belle River has a capacity of 1,664.4 megawatts (MW), making it a large coal-fired power plant.
Belle River is owned and operated by DTE Electric Company, a major utility in Michigan.
As a US coal plant, Belle River must comply with the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which limit SO2 and NOx emissions.
Belle River primarily uses coal as its fuel source for power generation.