Overview
Emory Decatur Hospital is a 3.9 MW diesel power plant in Decatur, Georgia, operated by DeKalb Regional Health System. It provides backup power for the hospital facility.
Emory Decatur Hospital is a diesel power plant located in Decatur, Georgia, United States. With a capacity of 3.9 MW, it is a small-scale facility primarily used for emergency backup power generation. The plant is owned and operated by DeKalb Regional Health System, serving the hospital's critical power needs. The plant operates on diesel fuel, a common choice for backup generators due to its reliability and quick start capabilities. As a diesel power plant, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets emission standards for stationary engines under the Clean Air Act. The facility likely complies with New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for compression-ignition engines. Located on the hospital campus in Decatur, the plant ensures uninterrupted power for medical services during grid outages. Its small capacity and backup role minimize its environmental footprint compared to baseload power plants. The facility contributes to the resilience of the local healthcare infrastructure.
Environmental context
The plant's diesel combustion produces emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and carbon dioxide. Its location in a suburban area near residential neighborhoods and the hospital itself necessitates adherence to local air quality regulations. The plant's intermittent operation as a backup generator reduces its overall environmental impact compared to continuous-duty plants.
Frequently asked questions
The Emory Decatur Hospital power plant is located in Decatur, Georgia, United States, at coordinates 33.7919, -84.2831.
The plant has a capacity of 3.9 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale diesel power plant used for backup power.
The plant is owned and operated by DeKalb Regional Health System, which manages the hospital's facilities.
Diesel power plants in the U.S. are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary engines and emission limits for NOx, CO, and particulate matter.
The primary fuel is oil (diesel), which is commonly used for backup generators due to its energy density and reliability.