Overview
Cashton is a 3.5 MW diesel power plant in Wisconsin, USA, operated by the Village of Cashton. It provides local grid support and backup power generation.
Cashton is a diesel power plant located in Wisconsin, United States, with a capacity of 3.5 MW. The facility is owned and operated by the Village of Cashton and is currently operational, serving the local community's power generation needs. As a diesel-fired plant, Cashton operates using oil as its primary fuel. Diesel plants are typically used for peaking power or emergency backup due to their quick start capabilities. The plant's capacity of 3.5 MW places it in the small-scale category for power generation in the US, where larger facilities often exceed 500 MW. Environmental considerations for diesel plants include emissions of CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. The plant's location in a rural area of Wisconsin may reduce direct population exposure. Its role in local grid reliability is significant, especially during peak demand or outages, supporting the Village of Cashton's energy security.
Environmental context
The plant's diesel fuel source results in higher CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas, and produces SOx and NOx emissions subject to US EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act. Its small capacity and rural location likely minimize local air quality impacts, though proximity to populated areas should be considered. Older diesel units may have less efficient emission controls.
Frequently asked questions
The Cashton power plant is located in Wisconsin, United States, at coordinates 43.742900, -90.780300. It is operated by the Village of Cashton.
The Cashton plant uses oil (diesel) as its primary fuel. It is classified as a diesel power plant, typically used for peaking or backup power.
The Cashton power plant has a capacity of 3.5 megawatts (MW), which is considered small-scale for the US power generation sector.
Diesel power plants in the US are subject to the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. They may also need permits under state implementation plans.
The Cashton power plant is currently operational, providing power generation services to the local grid and community.