Colfax Diesel Power Plant: 13.5 MW Facility in Michigan, USA

Colfax is a diesel power plant located in Michigan, United States, with a capacity of 13.5 megawatts. Owned and operated by DTE Electric Company, the facility is classified as a diesel power plant and is currently operational. Its relatively small capacity places it in the small-scale category for power generation, typically used for peaking or emergency backup. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and associated standards such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. Diesel plants are subject to emissions limits for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. Typical diesel plants use reciprocating engines. As a peaking plant, Colfax plays a role in meeting electricity demand during periods of high usage, supporting grid reliability in the region. Its operation contributes to the local energy mix, though diesel combustion results in higher CO2 and pollutant emissions per megawatt-hour compared to natural gas or renewable sources. The plant's proximity to populated areas is not detailed, but its small scale limits its environmental footprint.

The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, which results in higher emissions of CO2, SO2, and NOx per megawatt-hour compared to natural gas. Its small capacity (13.5 MW) limits overall emissions, but diesel plants are typically less efficient and have a larger carbon footprint. The facility is located in Michigan, a state with diverse energy sources including coal, natural gas, and renewables. Regulatory oversight under the EPA's Clean Air Act ensures compliance with emission standards.