Overview
Columbia (WI) is a 1,112 MW coal-fired power plant operated by Wisconsin Power & Light Co in Wisconsin, USA. It supplies electricity to the regional grid under EPA Clean Air Act regulations.
Columbia (WI) is a coal-fired power plant located in Wisconsin, United States, with a generating capacity of 1,112 megawatts. Owned and operated by Wisconsin Power & Light Co, the facility plays a significant role in the state's energy mix, providing baseload power to the regional grid. As a large-scale coal plant, it is subject to stringent environmental regulations under the US Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). The plant's technical specifications indicate a capacity of 1,112 MW, placing it in the large-scale category for coal-fired generation in the US. The facility operates under permits that limit sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter emissions. Environmentally, the plant's coal combustion contributes to CO2 emissions, a key concern for climate change. Its location in Wisconsin, a state with growing renewable energy targets, places it under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. The facility serves a broad customer base through the regional grid, and its operational status as an active plant underscores its ongoing role in meeting electricity demand while navigating evolving environmental regulations.
Environmental context
The plant's coal-fired operations produce significant CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, typical for this fuel type. Its location in Wisconsin, with proximity to populated areas, necessitates compliance with EPA NAAQS and regional haze rules. The facility's age and technology (likely subcritical) may result in higher emission rates compared to modern supercritical or CCGT plants. Capacity of 1,112 MW indicates a substantial environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
The Columbia (WI) power plant is located in Wisconsin, United States, at coordinates 43.486400, -89.420300.
The Columbia (WI) power plant has a generating capacity of 1,112 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale coal-fired facility.
The plant is owned and operated by Wisconsin Power & Light Co, a utility serving the region.
Coal power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program (for SO2), Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) for NOx and SO2, and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants like particulate matter and ozone.
Coal-fired power generation produces significant CO2 emissions contributing to climate change, as well as SOx and NOx emissions that can cause acid rain and smog. Modern plants use scrubbers and selective catalytic reduction to mitigate these pollutants.