Overview
Bellefonte is a 14 MW diesel power plant in the United States, operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. It provides peaking capacity to the regional grid.
Bellefonte is a diesel power plant located in the United States, with coordinates 34.709200, -85.927800. It is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and has an operational status. The plant has a capacity of 14 MW and uses oil as its primary fuel, placing it in the small-scale category for power generation. As a diesel-fired facility, Bellefonte operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated standards such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. Diesel plants are typically used for peaking power due to their quick start-up capabilities, and they must comply with emissions limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Bellefonte serves as a peaking plant within the TVA system, providing supplemental power during periods of high demand. Its relatively small capacity and oil fuel source mean it has a moderate environmental footprint compared to larger coal or gas plants. The plant contributes to grid reliability in the region, supporting the broader energy mix of the Tennessee Valley.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as a primary fuel results in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, though its small capacity (14 MW) limits overall impact. Proximity to populated areas may influence local air quality, but the plant's peaking operation reduces continuous exposure. Regulatory compliance under the Clean Air Act ensures adherence to emission standards.
Frequently asked questions
Bellefonte is located in the United States at coordinates 34.709200, -85.927800, and is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Bellefonte is a diesel power plant with a capacity of 14 MW, using oil as its primary fuel for peaking power generation.
Bellefonte is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned corporation in the United States.
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for criteria pollutants, the Acid Rain Program for SO2 and NOx, and CSAPR for interstate air pollution.
Bellefonte serves as a peaking plant, providing supplemental electricity during periods of high demand to support grid reliability within the TVA system.