Overview
Blue Earth is an 11 MW diesel power plant in Blue Earth, Minnesota, USA, operated by Blue Earth Light & Water. It provides local grid support using oil as its primary fuel.
Blue Earth is a diesel power plant located in Blue Earth, Minnesota, United States. With a capacity of 11 MW, it operates as a small-scale facility within the US power generation sector, serving the local community through Blue Earth Light & Water. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel and operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and associated standards such as NAAQS and the Acid Rain Program. As a diesel facility, it is subject to emissions regulations for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, though its small scale reduces overall impact. Blue Earth plays a role in local grid reliability and community energy supply. Its operational status as an active plant contributes to the regional power mix, and its small capacity makes it suitable for peaking or backup power needs. The facility's location in rural Minnesota aligns with typical diesel plant deployment for distributed generation.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as fuel results in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, though its small 11 MW capacity limits total output. Located in a rural area of Minnesota, it has minimal proximity to dense populations, reducing local air quality concerns. The facility operates under US EPA regulations, including the Clean Air Act, which mandates emission controls for diesel engines. Typical diesel plants of this scale may use reciprocating engines with moderate efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
The Blue Earth diesel power plant is located in Blue Earth, Minnesota, United States, at coordinates 43.6375 N, -94.1017 W.
The Blue Earth power plant has a capacity of 11 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale facility in the US power generation sector.
The Blue Earth diesel power plant is operated by Blue Earth Light & Water, a local utility serving the Blue Earth community.
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which regulate emissions of SOx, NOx, and particulate matter.
The Blue Earth power plant uses oil as its primary fuel, which is typical for diesel power plants and results in emissions of CO2, SOx, and NOx.