Overview
Diesel Generators is a 54 MW oil-fired diesel power plant operated by Madison Gas & Electric Co in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. The facility provides peaking capacity to the local grid.
Diesel Generators is an operational diesel power plant located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Owned by Madison Gas & Electric Co, the facility has a capacity of 54 megawatts and uses oil as its primary fuel. It serves as a peaking plant, providing electricity during periods of high demand. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, which sets emissions standards for criteria pollutants such as SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Diesel plants of this scale are typically used for short-duration peak shaving due to their higher fuel costs and emissions profile compared to baseload units. As a peaking facility, Diesel Generators plays a key role in maintaining grid reliability in the Madison area. Its operation is subject to air quality permits that limit emissions to protect local air quality. The plant's relatively small capacity and intermittent use reduce its overall environmental footprint compared to larger baseload plants.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as a primary fuel results in higher CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Its location in an urban area (Madison) increases potential exposure to emissions for nearby populations. However, as a peaking plant, its limited operating hours mitigate overall environmental impact. The facility must comply with EPA emissions standards under the Clean Air Act.
Frequently asked questions
Diesel Generators is located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States, at coordinates 43.080200, -89.374700.
Diesel Generators is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel to generate electricity. It has a capacity of 54 megawatts.
The plant is owned by Madison Gas & Electric Co. Typically the owner manages operations.
Diesel power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. They may also be subject to state-level air quality permits.
Peaking plants operate during periods of high electricity demand to ensure grid reliability. They start up quickly but have higher operating costs and emissions compared to baseload plants.