Overview
Benson City of is a 9 MW diesel power plant in Benson, Minnesota, USA. It is owned by the City of Benson and operates on oil fuel.
Benson City of is a diesel power plant located in Benson, Minnesota, United States. With a capacity of 9 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the US power generation sector, serving the local community's electricity needs. The plant operates on oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for peaking or backup power plants in the region. Diesel plants typically use reciprocating engines. The facility falls under the regulatory oversight of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and associated emissions standards for criteria pollutants. As a municipal utility asset, Benson City of plays a role in ensuring grid reliability for the city. Its small capacity and operational status suggest it may be used for peak shaving or emergency backup. The plant's environmental footprint is influenced by its fuel type and age, with diesel combustion producing CO2, NOx, and particulate matter.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil fuel results in higher CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas, and diesel combustion also emits NOx and SOx. Located in a small city in Minnesota, the plant's emissions may affect local air quality, though its small capacity limits overall impact. Regulatory compliance under the EPA's Acid Rain Program and CSAPR may apply depending on the plant's size and operational profile.
Frequently asked questions
Benson City of is located in Benson, Minnesota, United States, at coordinates 45.314400, -95.602800.
Benson City of is a diesel power plant, which uses oil fuel to generate electricity via reciprocating engines.
The plant has a capacity of 9 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale facility typically used for peaking or backup power.
The plant is owned by the City of Benson, a municipal utility in Minnesota.
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for NOx, SO2, and particulate matter. They may also be subject to the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) depending on size and location.