Overview
CNN Center is a 13 MW diesel power plant in Atlanta, Georgia, owned by Turner Properties Inc. It provides backup power to the CNN headquarters and surrounding facilities.
CNN Center is a diesel power plant located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. With a capacity of 13 MW, it is a small-scale facility primarily used for emergency backup power generation. The plant is owned by Turner Properties Inc and serves the CNN headquarters complex. The plant operates on oil as its primary fuel, typical for diesel peaking plants that provide grid stability during high demand or outages. In the United States, such facilities are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Diesel plants of this size often use reciprocating engines. As a backup power source for a major media hub, CNN Center plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted operations for news broadcasting and data centers. Its location in downtown Atlanta places it within a densely populated urban area, where air quality regulations are stringent. The plant contributes to local grid resilience but also faces scrutiny over emissions and noise.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as fuel results in higher CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to natural gas. Its location in central Atlanta, a non-attainment area for ozone under the Clean Air Act, means it must comply with strict emission limits. The 13 MW capacity indicates a relatively small environmental footprint, but its operation during peak demand can still impact local air quality.
Frequently asked questions
CNN Center is located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, at coordinates 33.7592, -84.3950.
CNN Center is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel, with a capacity of 13 MW.
The plant is owned by Turner Properties Inc, the real estate arm of the media company that operates CNN.
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and emissions limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter under programs like the Acid Rain Program and CSAPR.
As a backup power source, CNN Center provides emergency electricity to the CNN headquarters, ensuring continuous operation of broadcasting and data centers during grid outages.