Overview
Fergus Control Ctr is a 2 MW diesel power plant in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, operated by Otter Tail Power Co. It provides backup or peaking power to the local grid.
Fergus Control Ctr is a small-scale diesel power plant located near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in the United States. With a capacity of 2 MW, it is owned and operated by Otter Tail Power Co, a regional utility serving parts of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The plant is classified as operational and uses oil as its primary fuel. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its associated standards for emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. As a diesel plant, it is subject to the EPA's National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE). The plant's small capacity suggests it is used for peaking power or emergency backup rather than baseload generation. Its operation contributes to the local energy mix, but its diesel fuel source results in higher CO2 and pollutant emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewable alternatives. The plant's location in a rural area reduces direct exposure to large populations, though local air quality impacts remain a consideration.
Environmental context
The plant's use of diesel fuel results in higher emissions of CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Its small capacity (2 MW) limits overall environmental impact, but the plant may operate during peak demand or emergencies, contributing to local air emissions. The surrounding area is primarily rural, reducing population exposure, though the facility must comply with EPA emissions standards for diesel engines.
Frequently asked questions
Fergus Control Ctr is located near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in the United States.
Fergus Control Ctr is a diesel power plant with a capacity of 2 MW, used for backup or peaking power.
The plant is owned by Otter Tail Power Co, a regional utility serving parts of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for SO2, NOx, and particulate matter, as well as the RICE NESHAP for hazardous air pollutants.