Leland Olds Coal Power Plant | North Dakota, USA | 656 MW Facility

Leland Olds is a coal-fired power plant located in North Dakota, United States, with a capacity of 656 megawatts (MW). Owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, the facility is operational and plays a key role in the region's power generation mix. Coal power plants of this scale are typical for baseload electricity supply in the U.S. Midwest. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants. As a coal-fired facility, Leland Olds likely employs emission control technologies to comply with these standards. Leland Olds contributes to the reliability of the regional power grid, serving communities and industries in North Dakota. The plant's operation supports the local economy through jobs and energy supply, while its environmental footprint is managed under federal and state regulations. The facility's role in the transition to cleaner energy sources may be influenced by evolving policies and market conditions.

Located in North Dakota, Leland Olds operates in a region with relatively low population density, which may reduce direct exposure to emissions for large populations. However, as a coal-fired plant, it emits CO2, SO2, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to regional air quality and greenhouse gas levels. Typical coal plants of this era have moderate efficiency. Proximity to agricultural areas may raise concerns about deposition of pollutants on crops and soils.