Overview
Dartmouth College Heating Plant is a 7 MW oil-fired diesel power plant in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States. It provides electricity and heating to the Dartmouth College campus.
The Dartmouth College Heating Plant is an operational diesel power plant located in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States. Owned by Dartmouth College, the facility has a capacity of 7 MW and primarily uses oil as fuel. It serves the energy needs of the college campus, including electricity and heating. As a small-scale diesel plant, it operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and associated standards for emissions of SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. The plant's age and technology are typical for institutional heating plants, often featuring combined heat and power (CHP) capabilities. The plant plays a key role in supporting the operations of Dartmouth College, providing reliable power and heat to the campus community. Its location in a rural area of New Hampshire minimizes direct impact on densely populated zones, though emissions from oil combustion contribute to the facility's environmental footprint.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as primary fuel results in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, contributing to local and regional air quality concerns. Its location in Hanover, a small town in New Hampshire, means the plant is not in close proximity to major urban centers, reducing population exposure. However, the facility's age and technology may not incorporate the latest emission control technologies, potentially leading to higher per-MWh emissions compared to modern natural gas plants.
Frequently asked questions
Dartmouth College Heating Plant is located in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States, on the campus of Dartmouth College.
It is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel, with a capacity of 7 MW. It provides both electricity and heating to the college.
The plant is owned by Dartmouth College, a private Ivy League research university.
As a U.S. power plant, it must comply with the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and other EPA programs.
With a capacity of 7 MW, it is considered a small-scale diesel plant, typical for institutional or backup power applications rather than utility-scale generation.