Cherry Street Diesel Power Plant, Hudson, Massachusetts | USA Power Generation

Cherry Street is a diesel power plant located in Hudson, Massachusetts, United States. With a capacity of 17.3 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the US power generation sector, owned and operated by the Town of Hudson. The plant is currently operational and contributes to local electricity supply. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for peaking or backup power plants in the region. Diesel plants of this size typically employ internal combustion engines. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and associated emission standards for criteria pollutants such as SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. As a municipally owned facility, Cherry Street plays a role in ensuring grid reliability for the Hudson community. Its relatively small capacity and oil-fueled operation may result in higher per-MWh emissions compared to larger natural gas or renewable plants, but it provides essential dispatchable power during peak demand or emergencies.

The plant's oil fuel source results in higher CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Its location in Hudson, Massachusetts, a suburban area, means emissions may affect local air quality. Older diesel plants often have less efficient emission controls. The plant's small capacity limits its overall environmental footprint, but its operation during peak demand can contribute to localized pollution.