Overview
Iguatu is a 14.76 MW diesel power plant in Brazil, operating on oil fuel. It serves the local grid in the Ceará region.
Iguatu is a diesel power plant located in Brazil, with coordinates near the city of Iguatu in Ceará state. The facility has a capacity of 14.76 MW and operates on oil as its primary fuel, placing it in the small-scale category for power generation. It is currently operational and contributes to the regional electricity supply. The plant uses diesel technology, which is common for smaller, flexible generation units in Brazil. Diesel plants typically have lower capital costs and can be dispatched quickly to meet peak demand or provide backup power. In Brazil, such plants often operate under regulations from the national electricity regulator ANEEL and must comply with environmental standards set by CONAMA. Environmentally, the Iguatu plant's reliance on oil fuel results in higher CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Its location in a semi-arid region of Ceará means water availability for cooling may be a consideration. The plant plays a role in local energy security, particularly during dry periods when hydroelectric generation is reduced. Its small capacity limits its overall environmental impact but underscores the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources in the region.
Environmental context
The Iguatu diesel plant operates in a semi-arid region of Ceará, Brazil, where water scarcity is a concern. Its oil fuel combustion produces CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, contributing to local air quality impacts. The plant's small capacity (14.76 MW) limits its overall environmental footprint, but its operation may affect nearby communities and ecosystems. Brazil's environmental framework, including CONAMA resolutions, sets emission limits for such facilities.
Frequently asked questions
The Iguatu power plant is located in Brazil, near the city of Iguatu in the state of Ceará, at coordinates 6.3555° S, 39.2891° W.
The Iguatu plant uses oil as its primary fuel, classified as a diesel power plant.
The Iguatu power plant has a capacity of 14.76 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale generation facility.
Diesel power plants in Brazil must comply with emission standards set by CONAMA (National Environment Council), including limits on SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. They also require environmental licenses from state agencies.
As a diesel plant, Iguatu provides flexible generation that can be dispatched quickly to meet peak demand or compensate for variable renewable sources. It supports grid stability in the Ceará region, especially during dry periods when hydroelectric output is low.