Overview
Douglas is a 26.1 MW oil-fired diesel power plant in Arizona, operated by Arizona Public Service Co. It provides peaking capacity to the regional grid.
Douglas is an oil-fired diesel power plant located near Douglas, Arizona, United States. With a capacity of 26.1 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the US power generation sector, primarily used for peak load management. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. As an oil-fired facility, it is subject to emissions limits for sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), and may utilize best available control technologies (BACT) to meet state and federal requirements. Owned by Arizona Public Service Co, Douglas plays a role in supporting grid reliability in southeastern Arizona. Its oil-fueled design allows for rapid startup and flexible operation, making it suitable for meeting peak demand or providing backup power during grid disturbances.
Environmental context
The plant's oil fuel source results in higher CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Located in a semi-arid region near the US-Mexico border, the facility's emissions may affect local air quality, particularly during peak operation periods. The plant's age and technology (diesel engine) are typical for peaking plants, with potential for particulate matter emissions.
Frequently asked questions
The Douglas power plant is located near Douglas, Arizona, United States, at coordinates 31.364100, -109.553800.
The Douglas plant uses oil as its primary fuel, making it an oil-fired diesel power plant.
The Douglas plant has a capacity of 26.1 megawatts (MW), which is typical for a small peaking power plant.
Oil-fired power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for pollutants like SO2 and NOx, and may be subject to the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR).
The Douglas power plant is owned by Arizona Public Service Co, a major utility in Arizona.