Overview
Delaware Generating Station is a 77 MW oil-fired diesel power plant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, operated by Exelon Power. It serves as a peaking facility for the regional grid.
Delaware Generating Station is an oil-fired diesel power plant located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. With a capacity of 77 MW, it operates as a peaking plant, providing electricity during periods of high demand. The facility is owned and operated by Exelon Power, a major energy company in the U.S. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for peaking plants due to its quick start-up capabilities. As a diesel power plant, it employs internal combustion engines to generate electricity. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants. Delaware Generating Station plays a role in maintaining grid reliability in the Philadelphia area, particularly during peak load periods. Its location in an urban setting means it must comply with stringent local and federal air quality standards. The plant's relatively modest capacity and peaking operation help manage the environmental footprint, though oil combustion still produces CO2 and other emissions.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as fuel results in CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions, which are regulated under the EPA's Clean Air Act. Its location in Philadelphia, a densely populated urban area, requires compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health. As a peaking plant, it operates intermittently, reducing overall emissions compared to baseload facilities. The facility's age and technology (diesel engines) influence its efficiency and emission profile.
Frequently asked questions
Delaware Generating Station is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, at coordinates 39.9680° N, -75.1252° W.
It is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel, with a capacity of 77 MW. It operates as a peaking plant to meet high electricity demand.
The plant is owned and operated by Exelon Power, a major energy company in the United States.
The plant must comply with the U.S. Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) for emissions of SO2 and NOx.
As a peaking plant, it provides electricity during periods of high demand, helping to maintain grid reliability in the Philadelphia area.