Overview
Belle Haven Diesel Generation Facility is a 4 MW diesel power plant in Virginia, USA, operated by Old Dominion Electric Coop. It provides backup or peaking power to the local grid.
Belle Haven Diesel Generation Facility is a small-scale diesel power plant located in Belle Haven, Virginia, United States. With a capacity of 4 MW, it falls into the small-scale category for power generation facilities. The plant is owned and operated by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member distribution cooperatives in Virginia and parts of Maryland and Delaware. The facility operates on diesel fuel, which is typical for peaking or emergency backup power plants. Diesel plants are known for their quick start-up capabilities, making them suitable for meeting sudden spikes in electricity demand. The plant's operational status is listed as operational, indicating it is currently active. In the context of U.S. power generation, diesel plants are subject to emissions regulations under the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and potentially the Acid Rain Program, though small units may have different compliance obligations. Its location in rural Virginia means it likely serves a local community or supports the regional grid. The plant's small capacity and diesel fuel source result in a moderate environmental footprint, with emissions of CO2, SOx, and NOx relative to its size.
Environmental context
The facility's diesel fuel combustion produces CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, contributing to local air quality concerns. Its location in a rural area may reduce direct population exposure, but the plant's age and technology (likely older reciprocating engines) could result in higher emission rates per MWh compared to modern combined-cycle gas turbines. Proximity to the Chesapeake Bay watershed may also raise considerations for water quality impacts from potential fuel spills or runoff.
Frequently asked questions
Belle Haven Diesel Generation Facility is located in Belle Haven, Virginia, United States, at coordinates 37.5486, -75.7908.
It is a diesel power plant, typically used for peaking or emergency backup power due to its quick start-up capabilities.
The facility is owned by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member cooperatives in the region.
Diesel power plants in the U.S. are subject to the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants, and may be subject to the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) depending on size and emissions.
With a capacity of 4 MW, Belle Haven is a small-scale facility, typical for peaking or backup power. Large-scale power plants often exceed 500 MW, while small-scale units are under 50 MW.