Anderson Erickson Diesel Power Plant, Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Anderson Erickson is a diesel power plant located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Owned by MidAmerican Energy Co, the facility has a capacity of 2 MW and is classified as a small-scale peaking plant. It operates on oil as its primary fuel, providing supplemental power during periods of high demand. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, which sets emissions standards for criteria pollutants such as SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. As a diesel-fired facility, it is subject to New Source Performance Standards and may be required to use low-sulfur fuel or install emissions control technologies to comply with state and federal air quality regulations. Anderson Erickson plays a role in the local power grid by providing fast-start generation capacity during peak load events or emergencies. Its small scale and operational flexibility make it suitable for meeting short-term demand fluctuations in the Des Moines area, contributing to overall grid reliability.

The plant's use of oil as a primary fuel results in higher CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Its location in an urban area may raise local air quality concerns, particularly for NOx and particulate matter. The facility's age and technology (likely reciprocating engine) influence its emissions profile, though specific control equipment is not detailed. Regulatory compliance under the Clean Air Act helps mitigate environmental impacts.