Overview
Chesterfield is a 1,499.5 MW coal power plant in Virginia, United States, operated by Virginia Electric & Power Co. It serves the regional grid with baseload capacity.
Chesterfield is a coal-fired power plant located in Virginia, United States, with a capacity of 1,499.5 MW. It is owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Co, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy. The plant plays a significant role in the region's power generation mix, providing baseload electricity to the grid. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a coal plant, it is subject to stringent emission limits for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. The plant's technology and age influence its efficiency and environmental footprint. Chesterfield's environmental context includes its proximity to populated areas and its contribution to regional air quality. The plant's coal fuel source results in higher CO2 emissions compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Its operational status and capacity make it a key asset for grid reliability, but also a focus for potential future regulatory changes or retirement considerations.
Environmental context
Chesterfield's coal-fired operations produce significant CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions, impacting local and regional air quality. Its location in Virginia places it within a region subject to EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and other federal regulations. The plant's capacity and fuel type contribute to its environmental footprint, with potential effects on nearby communities and ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Chesterfield is located in Virginia, United States, at coordinates 37.3822° N, 77.3833° W.
The Chesterfield power plant has a capacity of 1,499.5 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale coal-fired facility.
The Chesterfield power plant is owned and operated by Virginia Electric & Power Co, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy.
Coal power plants in the U.S. are regulated under the Clean Air Act (CAA), including the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which limit emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
The primary fuel used at Chesterfield is coal, which is typical for baseload power generation in the region.