Overview
Fairfax is a 2 MW diesel power plant in Fairfax, Minnesota, United States. It is owned by the City of Fairfax and operates on oil.
Fairfax is a diesel power plant located in Fairfax, Minnesota, United States. With a capacity of 2 MW, it is a small-scale facility serving the local community. The plant is owned by the City of Fairfax and is currently operational. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for smaller diesel generators. In the United States, such facilities are subject to environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Diesel plants typically operate with internal combustion engines. As a municipal utility, Fairfax plays a role in local grid stability and provides backup power for the community. Its small capacity limits its environmental footprint compared to larger fossil fuel plants, but it still contributes to local emissions. The plant's location in rural Minnesota reduces proximity to densely populated areas.
Environmental context
The Fairfax diesel plant uses oil, which produces CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions. Its small 2 MW capacity limits overall emissions, but diesel engines can have higher NOx per unit of electricity compared to natural gas. The plant is located in a rural area, reducing direct exposure to large populations. Regulatory oversight under the US Clean Air Act ensures compliance with emission limits.
Frequently asked questions
The Fairfax power plant is located in Fairfax, Minnesota, United States, at coordinates 44.5259° N, -94.7188° W.
The Fairfax plant uses oil as its primary fuel, typical for diesel power plants.
The Fairfax power plant has a capacity of 2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale facility.
Diesel power plants in the US are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Facilities may also need permits under state implementation plans.
The Fairfax power plant is owned by the City of Fairfax, Minnesota.