Essex Junction 19 Diesel Power Plant | Vermont, USA

Essex Junction 19 is a diesel power plant located in Essex Junction, Vermont, United States. Owned by Green Mountain Power Corp, the facility has a capacity of 16 MW and is currently operational. As a diesel plant, it provides peaking or backup power to the local grid. 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. Diesel plants typically have higher emissions per MWh compared to natural gas combined cycle units, and are subject to emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Its location in Vermont, a state with a strong focus on renewable energy, positions it as a backup resource for grid reliability. The plant's relatively small capacity (16 MW) places it in the small-scale category for power generation facilities.

The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, which results in higher CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to natural gas. Its location in Essex Junction, a suburban area, means it is in proximity to populated areas, potentially affecting local air quality. The plant's age and technology (diesel) are typical for peaking units, which operate less frequently but have higher emission rates per unit of electricity generated.