Overview
General Chemical is a 30 MW coal power plant in the United States, operated by Tata Chemicals Partners. The facility provides power generation for industrial operations in the region.
General Chemical is a coal-fired power plant located in the United States, with coordinates 41.5933° N, -109.7542° W. The facility has a capacity of 30 MW and is owned by Tata Chemicals Partners. It operates as a coal power plant, contributing to the local energy grid and supporting industrial activities. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency, including the Clean Air Act and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants, ensuring compliance with national air quality standards. The 30 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category for coal power plants in the US. As a coal-fired facility, General Chemical's environmental footprint includes CO2 emissions and other pollutants typical of coal combustion. Its location in a relatively remote area may reduce direct population exposure, but the plant's age and technology level (subcritical likely) influence its efficiency and emission profile. The facility plays a role in meeting local power demand and supporting the operations of its parent company.
Environmental context
The plant's coal fuel source results in significant CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewables. Its 30 MW capacity is small relative to typical US coal plants, which average over 200 MW. Proximity to populated areas is limited given the rural coordinates, reducing local air quality impacts. However, coal combustion also produces SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, which are regulated under the Clean Air Act. The facility's age and technology (likely subcritical) contribute to lower efficiency and higher emission rates.
Frequently asked questions
General Chemical is located in the United States at coordinates 41.5933° N, -109.7542° W, in a rural area of the country.
General Chemical has a capacity of 30 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale coal power plant.
General Chemical is owned by Tata Chemicals Partners, a subsidiary of the Tata Group.
Coal power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which limit emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants.
Small coal power plants like General Chemical often use subcritical technology, with thermal efficiencies around 33-35%, meaning they produce more CO2 per MWh compared to larger supercritical or combined-cycle plants.