Hoot Lake Coal Power Plant | Minnesota, USA | 130.7 MW Facility

Hoot Lake is a coal-fired power plant located in Minnesota, United States, with a capacity of 130.7 megawatts. Owned and operated by Otter Tail Power Co, the facility is operational and contributes to the regional power supply. As a coal plant, it operates within the context of the US energy mix, where coal remains a significant source despite a shift toward cleaner fuels. The plant's technical specifications indicate a moderate scale for a coal facility, with a capacity of 130.7 MW. It likely uses subcritical boiler technology, common for plants of this vintage. The facility is subject to US EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act, including the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which govern emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Hoot Lake plays a role in meeting local electricity demand, particularly in the Otter Tail region. Its environmental impact is tied to coal combustion, which produces CO2, SO2, NOx, and particulate matter. The plant's location in a rural area may reduce direct population exposure, but it still contributes to regional air quality considerations.

As a coal-fired power plant, Hoot Lake's environmental context is shaped by its fuel type and emissions profile. Coal combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which can affect local air quality and contribute to regional haze. The plant's location in Minnesota places it within the scope of the US EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which aims to reduce SO2 and NOx emissions that cross state lines. Its moderate capacity of 130.7 MW suggests a moderate emissions footprint compared to larger coal plants.